A new video from domestic violence charity Refuge warns of the “catastrophic effects” domestic violence can have on kids.
More: Bar uses coasters to raise awareness about domestic violence and drinking
The film, part of the #givethemrefuge campaign, went live on Christmas Eve and shows a young girl excitedly unwrapping her presents under the tree before a violent row breaks out between her parents.
Facebook have donated ad space for the cause, to allow the ad to appear on users’ newsfeeds, in the hope that those who are lucky enough to live in happy families take a moment during their own festive celebrations to share the video.
According to Refuge domestic violence is at “epidemic levels” in the U.K., with one in four women experiencing domestic violence at some point in their lives. Two women per week are killed by a partner or ex-partner in England and Wales. These are statistics that we have, sadly, become used to hearing — but what many people don’t know is that around 750,000 children witness or experience abuse every year.
More: Confronting a friend when you suspect domestic violence — read this first
The focus of #givethemrefuge, therefore, is the children whose lives are filled with fear and uncertainty — on Christmas Day as well as on any other day of the year.
Watch the advert in full below. As well as sharing the video when it pops up on your Facebook feed, you can also donate to the cause to help fund the vital services that Refuge provides to victims of domestic violence.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence call the free, 24-hour national domestic violence helpline on 0808 2000 247, run in partnership with Woman’s Aid and Refuge.
More: U.K. women have black dots on their hands for a very important reason
Leave a Comment