Watching this public service announcement, created by Women's Aid in the UK, was a jolt of harsh reality. Millions of women are violently 'taken' by surprise like this everyday, and live in constant fear. I commend Keira Knightley for filming this.The statistics at the end of the video, are sadly worse here in the U.S. The message, however, is universal.
Trigger Warning:
Even though this is a short public service video, there is extreme violence that may trigger strong emotions for some:
According to research by Mother Jones:
Domestic violence is the No. 1 cause of injury to women. The incidents add up to more than all the rapes, muggings, and car accidents women experience each year. One out of every four women in the United States will be physically injured by a lover in her lifetime. That translates into a woman being assaulted every nine seconds in America. Immigrant women are beaten at higher rates than US citizens, and African American women are subjected tothe most severe forms of violence. Not surprisingly, a shaky economy just makes these numbers worse.
Three to four women are murdered every day by a boyfriend, husband or intimate partner.
More women were killed by their husbands or boyfriends since Sept. 11 than "all the Americans who were killed by 9/11 or in Afghanistan and Iraq."— Gloria Steinem October 1st, 2014
Men also victims. If you are a victim, or know someone experiencing abuse/domestic violence, there is free and confidential help available. Visit The National Domestic Violence Hotline website at TheHotline.org or call 1-800-799-7233 | 1-800-787-3224 (TTY). The organization also offers live chats. If there is immediate danger, first call 911. And remember, you are not alone. It’s not your fault.
Women’s Aid is a leading national organization that has been working in Ireland to stop domestic violence against women and children since 1974.
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(Updated)