I want to speak out against domestic violence. What can I do?

If you have experienced domestic abuse, the most important thing to do is to make sure you are safe. Once you are safe, you can start to help others. You are not alone if you think the silence around domestic violence should be broken. Talking to others can create awareness and lets others know that they’re not alone. Here are a few suggestions about what you can do in your community, once you are safe from domestic violence yourself:

• Get involved with the international white ribbon campaign – a campaign that encourages men to end men’s violence against women.
• Write to people in the government, for example your MP or to the Prime Minister, about your experiences and what you think other children in a similar situation need.
• Ask your local paper to write a story about domestic violence.
• Organise an exhibit about domestic violence for International Women’s Day (March 8th).
• Talk to after-school clubs and youth clubs about domestic violence.
• Educate other young people about gender roles – talk about stereotypes about men and women and how they can lead to domestic violence.
• Talk to teachers about forming a peer support group about domestic violence in your school.

Posted in: Is it happening to me?