YOUNG theatre group members whose lives were changed by a visit to some of the world's poorest communities are highlighting a powerful message on domestic violence to visitors to Bishop Auckland Town Hall.

Bishop Auckland Theatre Hooligans created an exhibition and documentary video following a week-long trip to the slums of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, in September last year.

They visited community projects in the city's favelas, where violence at the hands of ruling drug gangs and brutality in the home is an everyday experience for people of all ages. The project, called The Big Idea in Cidade de Deus, was sponsored by the Key Fund, Big Idea County Durham, Domestic Violence in County Durham and other agencies.

The exhibition continues until Saturday.