Angelina Jolie advises women who fear being abused over the holidays: ‘Talk to someone … be connected for emergencies’
Angelina Jolie had powerful advice for women who fear being abused over the holidays.
The 45-year-old actress, as part of her Special Envoy duties with United Nation’s for its 16 Days of Activism campaign, told Harper’s Bazaar that women should ‘talk to someone, try to find allies and be connected for emergencies’ in an effort to safeguard themselves and their children amid potentially-violent situations.
‘For example, you can agree a code word with a friend or family member, which tells them if you are facing an emergency,’ Jolie said. ‘Begin to build a network and gain knowledge.’
The latest: Angelina Jolie, 45, had powerful advice for women who fear being abused over the holidays as part of her Special Envoy duties with United Nation’s for its 16 Days of Activism campaign
The Maleficent actress said that people in a person’s immediate circle, unfortunately, might not be always be the quickest to aid: ‘It’s sad to say, but you can’t assume all friends and family will always want to believe and support you. Often it will be strangers who help. Or other victims, support groups, or faith groups.’
The Oscar-winner stressed that ‘above all,’ women need to ‘be careful’ depending on the situation they are in.
‘Only you really know the danger you are in, and until you find your support outside, you may feel quite alone,’ said the Come Away star.
She said that for people who are confided in about abuse, people should ‘take it seriously and stand by them, listen to them’ and not ‘judge them.
Empathy: She said that for people who are confided in about abuse, people should ‘take it seriously and stand by them, listen to them’ and not ‘judge them’
Informative: She also shared insights to help people who suspect a friend, relative or child might be a victim of domestic abuse
‘Try to understand the huge emotional, financial and legal pressures they are likely facing, including the pressure to stay silent about what has happened to them. And be aware that they may well be suffering trauma and PTSD.’
She also shared insights to help people who suspect a friend, relative or child might be a victim of domestic abuse.
‘If it has even crossed your mind that someone you know might be vulnerable in this way, try to stay close and present in their lives,’ Jolie said. ‘Make it clear that you are there for them.
‘Another thing we can all do is educate ourselves. Learn about domestic violence. Learn how trauma affects our health and can lead to biological changes, particularly in children. Take these issues seriously.’
Envoy: Jolie last month spoke in Seoul at the Second International Conference on Action with Women and Peace for the UNHCR
Jolie last month spoke in Seoul at the Second International Conference on Action with Women and Peace for the UNHCR.
She said ‘that domestic violence has grown sharply worse during the pandemic; and that the number of people displaced by conflict and persecution – over half of them women and children – has doubled in a decade.’
The UN reported that prior to the COVID-19 shutdown, as many as 243 million females were abused by their partner, with less than 40 percent reporting the abuse. More resources are available via Futures Without Violence and UN Women.