DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ABUSE REACHES ACROSS ALL LINES AND INCLUDES ABUSE AGAINST MEN IN HETEROSEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS AND AN INCREASING RATE OF ABUSE IN SAME-SEX MARRIAGES/RELATIONSHIPS
Domestic violence can have devastating effects. Although you may not be able to stop your partner’s abusive behavior, you can seek help. Remember, no one deserves to be abused.
In developing a new ad campaign with the New York City’s Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence, Bandujo Advertising + Design has employed a completely new strategy – reach women caught in the confusing and insidious cycle of abuse that occurs before physical violence begins. Traditionally, Domestic Violence ads visually depict bruises and scenes of assault. In bypassing the cycle of emotional, verbal, economic and sexual abuse that victims often initially endure, such ads don’t speak to a large portion of abused women, because they haven’t been physically abused – yet.
“Exposing the abusers ‘playbook’ to capture the attention of victims experiencing these ‘early’ forms of abuse gave us the best opportunity to effectively lead victims to safety and support,” said Jose Bandujo, President of Bandujo Advertising.
While some viewing this new ad may see only eight simple words, these words instantly trigger a strong emotional response from women victimized by abuse. “It’s exactly what they’re feeling, and what they identify with during emotional, verbal, sexual and physical abuse. Because they connect deeply with these feelings, the ad bypasses the barrier of both confusion and denial. Many understand for the first time that they’re in an abusive situation. Hence, “that’s abuse,” said Maria Woike, Associate Creative Director.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ABUSE IN SAME-SEX RELATIONSHIPS
In the Gay,Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community, domestic violence is also a serious issue. The rates of domestic violence in same-gender relationships is roughly the same as domestic violence against heterosexual women (25%). As in opposite-gendered couples, the problem is likely underreported. Facing a system which is often oppressive and hostile towards gay men and women, those involved in same-gender battering frequently report being afraid of revealing their sexual orientation or the nature of their relationship. Others who do not identify as GLBT may not feel that their relationship fits the definition but may still be in an abusive and dangerous relationship.
In many ways, domestic violence in lesbian, bisexual and gay relationships is the same as in opposite-gendered (e.g., heterosexually-paired) relationships:
- No one deserves to be abused.
- Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, and involve verbal behavior used to coerce, threaten or humiliate.
- Abuse often occurs in a cyclical fashion.
- The purpose of the abuse is to maintain control and power over one’s partner.
- The abused partner feels alone, isolated and afraid, and is usually convinced that the abuse is somehow her or his fault, or could have been avoided if she or he knew what to do. Continue reading