Refuge launches a campaign to raise awareness about the red flags of domestic abuse, revealing that many UK adults significantly underestimate its prevalence and forms. The installation features 100 red flags displaying survivor quotes and aims to educate the public on various forms of abuse, launching on International Women’s Day.
Domestic abuse charity Refuge has launched a new campaign in response to a survey that highlights significant gaps in UK awareness of domestic abuse red flags. This initiative coincides with International Women’s Day and aims to educate the public about various forms of abuse, especially those that are less obvious.
Data from Refuge reveals that only 26% of UK adults understand the scale of domestic abuse affecting women. While 80% would report physical abuse, this figure drops to 39% for less recognised forms, like coercive behaviour and economic abuse. Furthermore, younger people struggle to identify such signs, with only 57% of 18-24-year-olds recognising non-consensual image sharing as abusive.
To launch the campaign, Refuge will showcase an installation at Outernet London featuring 100 physical red flags, each with quotes from domestic abuse survivors. Accompanied by a soundscape from renowned actors, including Olivia Colman, the exhibition aims to create an immersive experience that brings attention to often-unreported abuse.
Olivia Colman noted, “Abuse doesn’t always look the way we expect it to. It’s in the small moments… No red flag is too small to be noticed.” The installation aims to highlight the nuanced forms of domestic abuse and will be complemented by social media content and performances, including a live reading by Caitlin O’Ryan.
Abigail Ampofo, Interim Chief Executive of Refuge, stated that this campaign aims to expose the hidden forms of abuse that often go unnoticed. She emphasised the importance of using survivors’ voices to communicate these warnings, reinforcing that women are not alone in their struggles.
The Red Flags campaign seeks to foster a deeper understanding of domestic abuse, encouraging individuals to recognize and report all forms of it not just the obvious ones.
Refuge’s campaign effectively raises awareness about the subtle forms of domestic abuse often overlooked by the public. By presenting the red flags and survivor stories, Refuge aims to encourage recognition and reporting of these abuses. The installation and social media efforts serve as crucial tools to educate and empower individuals, ensuring that no one suffers in silence.
Original Source: www.outernet.com