“The intention is for that domestic violence survivor to have drawn a black dot on the palm of their hand and for professionals when seeing and identifying that, understanding that that is a call for help”, says Rape Victim Advocacy Program Executive Director Jen Carlson.
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If someone you know or love is being abused, encourage them to get help and share the Black Dot Campaign with them – it could save their life.
However, the initiative is now facing criticism on the back of its rapid success after organisers admitted support organisations may not be aware of the black dot or have received any training.
Reacting to the concerns voiced by numerous dot sparking abuse if discovered, she said victims would know what triggers their abuser and would be smart enough to avoid making the situation worse.
“This isn’t the solution that will help everyone, if anything it should help people realize what abuse is, how it affects people, and how to access help”, a statement reads on the Black Dot Campaign Facebook page. “We’re polite, and a lot of victims are in a very lonely and scary place”.
Despite its popularity, the campaign has been criticised by several specialist charities who fear it may do more harm than good to victims.
And for many women, it seems to be working. “It makes it very hard to reach out and talk to people… the point of this campaign is to overcome those barriers”. ‘I had to have an examination so the consultant asked me to lie on the bed and drew the curtain, ‘ wrote one woman on the original Facebook page.
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One pregnant woman shared that her baby’s father was constantly abusing her, and wouldn’t leave her side. “So anything that gives survivors an opportunity to seek help and resources when they need it I think is a great campaign”, Carlson says. If you see a black dot or are approached by somebody for help, if safe to do thus take them to safety and get them in contact with the relevant agency. “If there’s any noticeable change, for instance if they forget to wash the dot off their hand, that could lead to further abuse”. “Being able to communicate is the first step, and this campaign provides women another way to do that”.
