People Are Posting Pictures with Black Dots on Their Hands for a Very Important Reason
A voice for the voiceless.


A simple black dot on a person's hand might hint towards something much bigger. The Telegraph reports that a social media campaign is underway to make the dot a silent, but powerful, signal about domestic abuse.
"The Black Dot Campaign is to enable victims who cannot ask for help verbally to ask for help with a simple black dot and people recognize this and help," the campaign's Facebook page reads. "This is a campaign to help the most vulnerable victims of domestic violence." The idea is that if a victim puts a dot on their hand, loved ones and survivor groups will recognize the cry for help and provide the assistance he or she so desperately needs. Some people have also posted their photos in solidarity, or as survivors who have already escaped abuse.
The campaign started earlier this month, and has already reached more than five million people on social media. Some people have reportedly criticized the campaign for spreading the word without educating support organizations first, and for potentially putting victims in danger if their abusers see the dot. But the founder of the group, who has remained anonymous, has said the campaign has already helped many people, and abuse victims often know what their abuser's triggers are and whether the dot could be dangerous for them.
"It can be very difficult and dangerous for victims of domestic abuse to speak out about what is happening to them, due to fear of what the perpetrator will do, and fear of not being believed," Polly Neate from Women's Aid told The Huffington Post. "The Black Dot could help some victims to communicate their abuse and it is useful to have a range of options because women's circumstances vary greatly."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Megan Friedman is the former managing editor of the Newsroom at Hearst. She's worked at NBC and Time, and is a graduate of Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism.
-
Why One Former Queen Was Held "Prisoner" at Kensington Palace
She was forbidden "from reading popular books" or walking "downstairs without holding someone's hand."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Dua Lipa Pairs Her Snakeskin Trench With a Chanel Bag
The pop star's new rules scream loud luxury.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kate Middleton Refused to Abide by a 350-Year-Old Royal Tradition
She insisted on doing this one very important thing her way, according to a royal expert.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
30 Female-Friendly Porn Websites for Any Mood
Features All the best websites, right this way.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
The 82 Best Cheap Date Ideas for Couples on a Budget
"Love don't cost a thing." —J.Lo
By The Editors Last updated
-
Diary of a Non-Monogamist
Rachel Krantz, author of the new book 'Open,' shares the ups and downs of her journey into the world of open relationships.
By Abigail Pesta Published
-
COVID Forced My Polyamorous Marriage to Become Monogamous
For Melanie LaForce, pandemic-induced social distancing guidelines meant she could no longer see men outside of her marriage. But monogamy didn't just change her relationship with her husband—it changed her relationship with herself.
By Melanie LaForce Published
-
COVID Uncoupling
How the pandemic has mutated our most personal disunions.
By Gretchen Voss Published
-
16 At-Home Date Ideas When You're Stuck Indoors
Features Staying in doesn't have to be boring.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
Long Distance Relationship Gift Ideas for Couples Who've Made It This Far
Alexa, play "A Thousand Miles."
By Jaimie Potters Published
-
15 Couples on How 2020 Rocked Their Relationship
Features Couples confessed to Marie Claire how this year's many multi-stressors tested the limits of their love.
By Sherry Amatenstein, LCSW Published