AN ART exhibition with a powerful message will open in Bournemouth this weekend with the aim of raising awareness of domestic abuse.

The event has been organised by Soroptimist International Bournemouth and is taking place during the UN’s annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

It will take place at Bobby’s in Bournemouth town centre between November 30 and December 7.

A total of 33 students from the Arts University Bournemouth will be displaying their thought-provoking work and visitors will be able to vote for the three pieces that have the most impact.

The exhibition takes place on the second floor of Bobby’s between 11am and 4pm with visitors invited to follow the orange arrows.

Each year the United Nations designates the period from November 25 (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) until December 10 (Human Rights Day) as a time to raise awareness of the negative impact of violent relationships with the aim to rid society of abuse.

The campaign colour is orange reflecting a bright and optimistic future without violence.