The first time I saw this ad, I was rendered speechless. My initial reaction has not wavered. It demonstrates the chilling reality of domestic violence. An issue of great magnitide that deserves and demands greater attention, but remains to a large degree, veiled in silence. But maybe the tide is turning. Just maybe. Hopefully in some way, this ad will have the impact that it deserves and all of, all of us, will realize that we need to do more. Much more.
Some Statistics.
Did you know that ‘according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 3 in 10 women and 1 in 10 men say they have experienced rape, physical violence, or stalking (or a combination of these things) by an intimate partner.
Yet, not all forms of abuse leaves bruises. Emotional abuse wounds in other ways, and over time can eventually escalate to physical violence.
Were you also aware that if you add emotional abuse to the mix of physical and sexual assault, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 3 teen girls will experience domestic violence in their lives? (National Domestic Violence Hotline).
Disturbing.
However, let’s be serious. We all know that these numbers do not reflect the truth. Domestic violence remains a gravely underreported crime.
For more on this and to recognize the signs, I am reposting my blog, 12 Signs Your Partner is An Emotional Abuser from August, 2014 on YourTango.