Tuesday marked the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a campaign particularly close to my heart. Writing about something that has affected your family is never easy but I want to do my part in raising awareness.
So, here goes.
DVAM is held throughout October and aims to raise awareness and eradicate domestic violence.
DVAM evolved from the “Day of Unity” in 1981. This day remembered those who had lost their life to domestic violence, celebrated those who survived and connected those working to end domestic abuse.
The first recognised DVAM was in 1987.
For over 30 years the world has united to follow the actions of the “Day of Unity” and I think over the last three decades there has been an incredible amount of support shown for those that have been affected by domestic abuse by various campaigns.
Domestic violence charities worldwide set up campaigns each year in order to encourage people to speak out on domestic abuse and try to put an end to it.
This year there have been two campaigns that have been really prominent on social media.
That’s not to say that other campaigns are not as important because they are, but these are the two that stood out to me.
Domestic Violence UK coordinates the Love Doesn’t Hurt campaign, which focuses primarily on raising awareness on the issues of domestic and emotional abuse.
In this campaign there are various projects that Domestic Violence UK have created to spread the word that #lovedoesnthurt. They have created t-shirts, tank tops and hoodies with “Love Doesn’t Hurt” written on them to spread the word of their 2019 campaign.
The most active project on social media is their portrait project, whereby individuals shoot themselves wearing a Love Doesn’t Hurt item of clothing. Each picture is shared on social media with a message raising awareness and inspiring hope.
Looking through the portrait project pictures on social media I felt inspired but very emotional.
Inspired by the courage and strength of people who will speak out on their own experiences and on behalf of others.
Emotional because no-one should have to be speaking out on domestic violence at all.
It shouldn’t be an issue that anyone faces or has to worry about.
To be part of the campaign you don’t have to share a photo of yourself. You can still use the #lovedoesnthurt to share any hope or words of encouragement to those suffering from domestic violence.
Domestic Violence Awareness Project developed a unified message around ‘one thing’ you can do to end domestic violence.
Their campaign states: “One person’s actions may seem insignificant, but together a communities’ collective ‘#1Thing’ can lead to real social transformation.”
National Domestic Violence Hotline have participated in the campaign and have encouraged social media users to share the #1Thing they would do to end domestic violence.
I think the #1Thing campaign offers a real sense of community. So many people have already shared their ‘one thing’ on social media and we’re not even a week into DVAM.
For anyone suffering from domestic violence, seeing someone’s #1Thing could provide the strength to speak out.
DVAM campaigners are not the only people speaking out on domestic violence.
Earlier this week MP’s were moved to tears as Labour MP, Rosie Duffield, stood in the Commons and gave her experience of domestic abuse before describing how she eventually gained the strength and courage to leave a partner.
The speech came as the Domestic Violence Bill, introduced by Mrs May’s government, had its second reading in the Commons.
Rosie Duffield encouraged others to come forwards if it was safe to do so.
From her speech, it highlighted just how hidden domestic violence can be if the person being affected by it is not ready or does not feel safe enough to speak out.
Writing this my heart breaks for every person that has, is and unfortunately will experience domestic abuse.
I hope the #lovedoesnthurt and #1Thing campaign will encourage men and women to speak out and get the support they need.
No-one has the answer on how to eradicate the toxicity that is domestic violence from our society, but hopefully with the support from campaigners worldwide and tighter legislation we can see the number of people affected decrease.
For anyone suffering from domestic violence I plead you reach out to the closest person to you and make your home a safe place again.
I pray one day domestic violence will become a thing of the past.
For help and advice, visit https://domesticviolenceuk.org or call 0808 200 0247.
Be the first to comment on "#1Thing Let your voice be heard this Domestic Violence Awareness Month"