A simple black dot on a person's hand might hint towards something much bigger. The Telegraph reports that a social media campaign is underway to make the dot a silent, but powerful, signal about domestic abuse.
"The
Black Dot Campaign is to enable victims who cannot ask for help
verbally to ask for help with a simple black dot and people recognize
this and help," the campaign's Facebook page reads.
"This is a campaign to help the most vulnerable victims of domestic
violence." The idea is that if a victim puts a dot on their hand, loved
ones and survivor groups will recognize the cry for help and provide the
assistance he or she so desperately needs. Some people have also posted
their photos in solidarity, or as survivors who have already escaped
abuse.
The
campaign started earlier this month, and has already reached more than
five million people on social media. Some people have reportedly
criticized the campaign for spreading the word without educating support
organizations first, and for potentially putting victims in danger if
their abusers see the dot. But the founder of the group, who has
remained anonymous, has said the campaign has already helped many
people, and abuse victims often know what their abuser's triggers are
and whether the dot could be dangerous for them.
"It
can be very difficult and dangerous for victims of domestic abuse to
speak out about what is happening to them, due to fear of what the
perpetrator will do, and fear of not being believed," Polly Neate from
Women's Aid told The Huffington Post.
"The Black Dot could help some victims to communicate their abuse and
it is useful to have a range of options because women's circumstances
vary greatly."
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