Domestic abuse comes out of the shadows in a bold way Wednesday.
That's the day Home Free, a Plymouth-based safe haven for battered women and their children, launches a one-day social media campaign designed to raise awareness of domestic abuse and increase donations to fight it.
As part of October's Domestic Violence Awareness Month, participants are asked to post personal experiences, as well as supportive words for victims via Facebook and Twitter.
To take part, use the hashtag #IWishYouKnew.
As in:
#IWishYouKnew how much it hurt to have you not believe me.
#IWishYouKnew how hard it is to leave an abusive relationship.
#IWishYouKnew that you have options, and we won't judge your choices.
"This is the first time we've done a coordinated social media campaign," said Home Free's development associate Sarah Busch. "We've increased our efforts to reach out to more people in our community and expand awareness. I'm very excited about this new initiative and the great response we've already received."
Home Free provides emergency housing and support services to more than 500 women and children each year, she said.
Busch asks participants to use @HomeFreeMN or tag @HomeFreeMN on Facebook so your posts can be shared. You can also visit their website at missionsinc.org/programs/home-free.
"There's always room for the voices of survivors to be uplifted," Busch said. "Of course, our mission is working toward a future where violence against women and children is no longer a reality. We're going to keep educating the community as long as we have to." □
