'I was a ghost': Powerful videos highlight realities of domestic abuse
Maddie’s experience of domestic abuse wasn’t physical. It was controlling and left her feeling like a shadow of herself. “He never hit me,” she says. “He didn’t have to. I was a ghost. There was nothing to hit.”
Maddie, a beauty vlogger, is the persona in a series of videos that have been released to highlight domestic abuse and the different forms it can take.
Whilst the videos feature actors from Wakefield-based theatre group Empath, they are inspired by the stories of local victims of domestic abuse.
“These videos don’t hold back from the realities of domestic abuse and at the same time are relatable,” says Coun Maureen Cummings, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Poverty.
“We want people to realise it affects people just like them and can often go unseen."
The council has released the four thought-provoking videos during the 16 days of action campaign, from November 25 to December 10. The international campaign calls for an end to violence against women and girls.
The series of videos, funded by the Wakefield Community Safety Partnership, follows ‘Maddie’ as she talks about her experience and that of other survivors she has met on her journey.
She covers same-sex relationships, financial abuse and alcohol abuse, and receiving support.
One of the films focuses on a child who witnessed their parent experience abuse – and the lasting impact that can have. It highlights that children often see and hear more than parents think.
"I thought it was normal, how angry my stepdad used to get,” a letter from the child, Max, reads.
The final video looks at a potential abuser. They realise their behaviour is hurting the person they love and the first step to making a change is to ask for help.
“It’s important that we continue to raise awareness of domestic abuse and the support available to victims,” Coun Cummings says.
“The 16 days of action are about bringing everyone together to help raise awareness of the issue and show people where they can go for help and support. “We want victims to report incidents and be aware that support is available to them.
"But we also want to encourage those using abusive behaviours to seek help and support to change their behaviour.”
More than 10,000 domestic abuse incidents were recorded in the Wakefield district over the last 12 months.
Domestic abuse isn’t always physical. Victims can feel controlled, intimidated and isolated from their loved ones and community.
Nationally it is estimated that 2.1 million people aged 16 and over experience domestic abuse each year.
For more information and to see the videos, visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/16daysofaction