A new social media movement is helping victims of domestic abuse by allowing them to ask for help without ever opening their mouth.
The Black Dot Campaign asks victims to draw a simple black dot on the palm of their hand as a silent plea to those who might be able to help them.
The movement, which started as a Facebook campaign, means vulnerable people will be in a position to ask for help without fear of speaking out if they are trapped in a community, or by their spouses.
Explaining the concept on Facebook, the group admin explains:
“This is a campaign to help the most vulnerable victims of domestic violence.
“They simply draw a black dot on their hands and agencies, family, friends, community centres, doctors, hospitals can recognise this person needs help but can not ask for it.”
The movement was originally started by a survivor of domestic abuse, who said she experienced physical, emotional and sexual abuse at the hands of her partner.
She says she was motivated to launch the campaign “as so many people suffer in silence because they cannot ask for help”.
Despite the positive steps in enabling people to ask for help, some users have queried if the method could put victims at an even greater risk when abusers recognise the symbol.
Responding to the comments, the page admin wrote:
“That’s why we continue to invent new ways to help. The black dot is not the only way to access help but it could be the one that could help a particular person. Each domestic abuse case is completely different, each perpetrator behaves differently, with one thing in common: CONTROL.”
“Many are unable to speak out through fear, shame, unknown consequences if children are involved. Just because you are or have been a victim it doesn’t mean you are stupid and make stupid decisions. This has helped many people already and I thank everyone for their continued support.”
If you, or someone you know, is affected by domestic violence, freephone Women’s Aid on 1800 341 900 or check out womensaid.ie for services and confidential support.
H/T Huffington Post UK
