'Why Is It So Hard To See Black And Blue?': Powerful Domestic Violence Campaign Features #TheDress

Powerful Domestic Violence Campaign Features #TheDress
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The Salvation Army have released a powerful domestic violence advert featuring #TheDress that sent the internet into meltdown last week.

"Why is it so hard to see black and blue?" reads the advert. "The only illusion is if you think it was her choice."

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The advert, which forms part of a Salvation Army campaign in South Africa, features a woman laying on her side in a white and gold dress, while covered in black and blue bruises.

Last week, the infamous dress, which appeared black and blue to some but white and gold to others, got everyone talking.

Now, the charity are hoping to continue discussions, but this time about a more pressing issue: violence against women.

A spokesperson for The Salvation Army says: "The Salvation Army sees the devastating effects of domestic violence on women, men and children every day. We support people who are affected in our human trafficking work, our specialist services, Lifehouses and community centres.

"We know that one in four women are victims of domestic violence in the UK: this innovative and powerful campaign by The Salvation Army in South Africa highlights that domestic violence is often overlooked by society. We hope this image helps people to see the true impact of this crime."

Powerful stuff.

For more information on the work of The Salvation Army in South Africa click here.

For more information about The Salvation Army UK and Ireland's work with the victims of domestic violence click here.

Notable Anti-Domestic Violence Campaigns
Honor Blackman(01 of07)
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Women's Aid won an award for their domestic violence awareness campaign, which saw celebrities including Anna Friel, Fern Britton, Jemma Kidd and Honor Blackman made-over to appear as if they had been beaten. (credit:Women's Aid)
Clare Wood (02 of07)
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In September the Home Office began piloting a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, known as Clare's Law. It was so named to honour Clare Wood, who was strangled and set on fire by her ex-boyfriend. It proposes to give women "the right to know" if a partner has a history of domestic violence. The scheme came into being after campaigning to protect women from Michael Brown, the father of the murder victim. (credit:PA)
Lauren Luke (03 of07)
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Self-taught make-up artist Lauren Luke appeared before her YouTube subscribers in July looking battered and bruised. While the bruises were fake, the video, made in collaboration with UK charity Refuge sent a clear message to women across the globe: "65 per cent of women who suffer domestic violence keep it hidden. Don't cover it up." http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=d-XHPHRlWZk (credit:YouTube )
Keira Knightley (04 of07)
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Atonement actress Keira Knightley starred in a 2009 Women's Aid ad which saw her punched and kicked to the ground. Shot by Atonement director Joe Wright, the clip was deemed "too violent" and was censored before it was shown on TV. (credit:YouTube)
Chris Brown(05 of07)
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An 'unofficial' campaign was carried out against singer Chris Brown, who found his latest album, Fortune, slapped with stickers reading: "WARNING: Do not buy this album! This man beats women!" (credit:Twitpic/@piercepenniless)
(06 of07)
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Here's Barbie as you've never seen her before - as a model of domestic abuse.A student artist has painted black eyes, bruises and blood onto the perfect faces of the iconic dolls.The art project, It's A Matter Of Trust, has the tagline 'We shouldn't be taught that life is perfect.'Read more here.
(07 of07)
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On the surface this newlywed couple look blissfully happy, but sadly reality tells a different story - one of domestic violence and abuse.Behind the smiles, beautiful flowers and white wedding gown, the groom is twisting his new wife's arm, which is battered and bruised from previous violent episodes.The powerful image forms part of a hard-hitting Norwegian domestic violence awareness campaign.Read more here.