Behind Love: A Multimedia Report Uncovering the Violence Within Intimacy

An in-depth report on intimate partner violence, coercive control, and the systems that fail—or protect—those trapped inside.

Suffocating Love is an multimedia investigation delves into the complex and often invisible nature of intimate partner violence—including emotional, physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. The report examines not only individual experiences but also the legal, cultural, and systemic factors that allow such violence to persist.

Through a combination of survivor testimonies, expert interviews (including lawyers, police officers, and mental health professionals), and visually-driven storytelling, the project explores how patterns of control and manipulation—often normalized or minimized—trap individuals in harmful relationships. It also sheds light on the psychological traits of both abusers and those most vulnerable to becoming victims.

This report highlights critical issues such as:

• The blurred boundaries between love, control, and coercion

• Legal loopholes and the limits of existing protection laws

• The stigma and silence surrounding emotional abuse

• The role of digital surveillance and revenge threats in modern toxic relationships

• Recovery and self-protection strategies for survivors

• Preventive efforts through education, social reform, and public awareness

More than just a report, Suffocating Love is an advocacy-driven journalistic project that aims to inform, humanize, and activate. It calls on the public and policymakers alike to recognize the early signs of abuse, support survivors, and push for systemic change.

Created as a final-year capstone project, the piece showcases strengths in:

• Investigative research and narrative journalism

• Ethical and trauma-informed reporting

• Visual and multimedia production

• Public education on underreported social issues

🔗 View Full Project Website