There are sadly many women out there who suffer in silence in their own homes. We like to think domestic abuse is something that’s not nearly so prevalent in society as it once was, but even if the rates are falling and it’s becoming less common – I’m not suggesting that’s true, by the way – it’s still too widespread to not be a huge problem.
Most of the time victims of domestic abuse feel trapped in the horrifying prison of circumstance they’re locked in. Scared to cry out for help, uncertain over what the future might look like, many of them find ways to rationalize the abuse being dealt unto them, be it physical, verbal or emotional.
Which is why a viral campaign on Facebook rose to prominence a few years back, encouraging women suffering from domestic abuse to seek help by way of subtly drawing attention to their plight.
Known as the “Black Dot Campaign”, the initiative aimed to bring recognition and awareness to victims of domestic abuse by drawing a small, black dot on their palm, and thereby help them to get the assistance they need.
In other words, if you see someone with a black dot scribbled on their palm, it could mean that they’re in a bad situation.
Needless to say, the Facebook page in question proved immensely popular. So popular, in fact, that it was closed down over fears that it could do more harm than good. Having reached millions of people all over the world, the ‘secret’ meaning of someone suffering from abuse penning a black dot on their palm perhaps wasn’t so secret anymore.
Though the Independent reported at the time that the “Black Dot Campaign” helped 49 women to leave abusive relationships during its short lifespan, critics argued that if perpetrators recognized the symbol for what it was, it could potentially make situations worse for victims.
The anonymous founder of the campaign told ITV News in 2015: “For five years I experienced emotional, physical and sexual abuse – it is the loneliest, scariest place to be.
“I had ample opportunities to seek help but I never did. I wish I could have put something on my body so they can start that conversation with me… That’s where the Black Dot idea came from.”
Meanwhile Sandra Horley, then-chief executive of domestic violence charity Refuge, said she believed the campaign might be dangerous for certain women to take part in.
“We are concerned that the Black Dot campaign has become very public and well-known, so therefore it may be dangerous for some women if they take part,” Ms Horley said.
“Women who mark themselves with a black dot could unintentionally inform their abusive partner that they are trying to reach out and access support.”
The Facebook page may have disappeared a long time ago, but the concept still lives on online, and it could just be that there are women out there who are drawing black dots on their palm in the hope of getting a message out to someone who can help.
Did you know that this was a thing? I certainly didn’t!
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