Domestic violence doesn’t choose age, color, status or profession. Statistics show that 7 in 10 women are victims of physical or sexual violence, and that women between ages 15 and 44 have more chances of becoming a victim of domestic violence or being raped than developing cancer or suffering a car accident. Any woman can be a victim of domestic violence: it’s extremely likely, if not 100% guaranteed, that we know someone that was, or is, a target of psychological, verbal or sexual assault.
There are lots of ways in which we can help. One of them is to speak out. Get to know some celebrities that use their platforms and even their own personal stories to generate awareness around this crime against women.
1. Reese Witherspoon
It doesn’t just happen in the movies; it can happen to any woman in real life. The television show Big Little Lies, which Reese Witherspoon produces and acts in, has a storyline about domestic violence, something that Reese has lived herself by being psychologically abused by an ex-partner. The actress told Oprah how she was reborn:
2. Rihanna
Multiple Grammy winner. Face of the biggest brand campaigns in the world. Successful businesswoman. Rihanna is living proof that domestic violence doesn’t choose age, color, status or profession: she was physically mistreated by her ex-boyfriend in 2009.
Our voice is our biggest weapon. Rihanna shared a picture with evident signs of physical violence to give strength to other women to come forward and speak. Enough is enough.
3. Halle Berry
American actress Halle Berry has a personal story of domestic violence: her mother was constantly abused by her father. Halle developed poor self-esteem and over the years chose unworthy men who became part of her life.
Nowadays, Halle is an active volunteer at the Jenesse Center, the oldest domestic violence intervention center in Los Angeles, to make sure women have the recourses they need to live a new and safe life.
4. Charlize Theron
Although she was never physically abused by her father, Charlize Theron’s mother was for years and years. Charlize’s father was an alcoholic and an abuser, and her mother feared for her life. Charlize was collateral damage.
The story ended in tragedy when Charlize Theron’s mother, in an act of self-defense, shot her father to death. But these stories don’t always have this outcome for the victims: 1 in 3 women are killed by their partners.
5. Angelina Jolie
Actress, activist and UN Goodwill Ambassador, Angelina Jolie is a very active women’s rights advocate. Women’s rights are human rights. In conflicted countries, sexual violence against women is normal; it’s a tool of power over them. Hear Angelina’s powerful speech:
6. Christina Aguilera
"I watched my mom have to be submissive, watch her Ps and Qs or she's gonna get beat up." These are Christina Aguilera’s words about her abusive father. The American singer became Verizon’s HopeLine partner to make sure women have a safe line to reach for help. “You are not alone. My only advice is to not be afraid to speak to someone or to seek help.”
