As a result of the Coronavirus outbreak, the governments key message was to stay at home and stay safe. Unfortunately, for those living with domestic abuse, home isn’t the safe haven it should be. Victims found themselves not only isolated by their abusers, but also by the rules.
The #YouAreNotAlone campaign is a stand of solidarity. Reassuring victims that they can leave home to seek help, whilst encouraging the public to show their support and share the message. This simple but powerful act shows victims they are not alone, guides them to the help they need and shows perpetrators that domestic abuse is unacceptable in any circumstances.
When the UK’s lockdown rules were at its most restrictive, the country made connections in a different way. From reaching out to friends and family and supporting key workers to opening up about mental health – despite the distance, everyone was united in supporting one another.
Show victims they are no longer isolated by creating a national symbol of support. A hand with a heart in its palm to display in windows and share on social media to tell victims they are not alone.
The #YouAreNotAlone campaign is a stand of solidarity. Reassuring victims that they can leave home to seek help, whilst encouraging the public to show their support and share the message. This simple but powerful act shows victims they are not alone, guides them to the help they need and shows perpetrators that domestic abuse is unacceptable in any circumstances.
This powerful symbol, embodying a helping hand for victims of abuse, prompted a viral movement that was recreated in homes, stories and feeds across the country. Communities and businesses coming together to stand against domestic abuse in all its forms.
The #YouAreNotAlone launch is part of the government’s bigger response to stand against domestic abuse. Alongside the campaign, a pledge of £2 million of funding to domestic abuse helplines and online support, as well as £750 million package of support for charities, has ensured support is available for victims when they need it most. The campaign activity has been supported by key partners including Refuge, Women’s Aid, Safelives, Mankind as well as the Domestic Abuse Commissioner. All using #YouAreNotAlone as key message on their platforms to support and spread the message.
Despite increased risk and violence, victims in lockdown were ‘Not Alone.' Working with the UK Home Office, we secured overwhelming support from Keira Knightley, Thandie Newton, Orlando Bloom, Dua Lipa andKate Beckinsale in sharing the #YouAreNotAlone message - with a total audience reach of 82, 030, 700. Calls to domestic abuse helplines and hits to supporting websites increased as much as 120% per day, and it was essential to share vital information for support services operating to help those at risk in the depths of lockdown isolation.