Domestic Violence Advertisement Analysis

Domestic violence: a taboo issue in our society, where the discussion is shut down by fear of instability or vulnerability. A crime, hidden from plain view, behind closed doors, that harms up to half a million innocent individuals every year. Someone is experiencing some form of domestic violence as we speak as for every 15 seconds there is a woman beaten around the world, and for every hour as many as 115 children are abused. Domestic violence, or intimate partner violence, is a violation of human rights. It involves violent, abusive or intimidating behaviour carried out by an adult against a partner or former partner to control and dominate that person.  Violence of any form should not be accepted in our modern society it nurtures fear and hatred, and it should not be locked away as an allowable social norm. We should be better than that.

Domestic violence, alternatively referred to as Intimate Partner Violence, is defined by the Department of Justice as “a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner.” While domestic violence is commonly thought of as only physical or sexual abuse, domestic violence can also be emotional, economic, or psychological. Domestic violence has remained constant in society throughout history, even though over time society’s response to the issue has changed. While domestic violence affects everyone regardless of race, gender, age, etc. it is estimated that approximately 90% of all victims are women. For the purpose of this paper, I will be focusing on

This stands out because of the lighter color, and the size given to the object. With the primary color being white, the artist mixed it in with golden-yellow to create an appearance of texture. Morisot used pastel colors for the cradle, cradle veil, window curtain, and the infant’s gown. She employed bolder colors for the woman’s dress, and the wall behind the cradle. The infant’s gown is a pure white color, representing its innocence. The woman’s blue dress, and the black band around her neck, are darker shades to contrast in color to the lighter colors used in the focal point of the artwork. Her dark-colored dress may symbolize her aging as a woman. She is not as young, pure, and innocent as she was in her youth. Her hair appears to be a little gray near her hairline, which is also another sign of aging. The cradle veil is a barrier from any outside harm, as the woman lovingly and adoringly gazes at the infant. This veil also puts a barrier between the viewer and the infant, and gives the feeling of protection and privacy in their shared

Moreover, there no “double speak” included in the ad, however, this child could be viewed as a form of propaganda due to the ad’s intention of helping children. The ad is also a form of propaganda because of the emblematic course of numerous children who get abused sexually each

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior or coercive control in any relationship that is used by one person to gain or maintain power and control over another. (Violence). Most of society’s think domestic violence is when one of the spouses is abusing the other spouse. Domestic violence can occur between anyone who has lived together at one point of time; couples who have never lived together, but have a child together and family member who has live together in the same household. Domestic violence can happen to anyone, regardless of their class, religion, ethnic background, education, age, gender, disability status, sexual orientation, gender presentation, or immigration status. The domestic violence can place in different categories, such as; emotional abuse, physical abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse and financial abuse. Researcher had discovered tactics that the abusers use to control their victims such as; dominance, humiliation, isolation, threats, intimidation, denial and shifting blame. (Helpguide.org).

Upon a quick glance, the advertisement published in 2015 by Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa appears to be abundant in color, joyful and fairytale-like; at least when I first saw it a year ago. However, after reading about the different variations of objectification in advertisements I no longer see the ad as an innocent take on fairytales. Advertisements are meant to be geared to a public, or a specific public, in order to sell a product. Still, some ads showcase women as the product or at least a way to get people to purchase the product. Although any gender, culture, religion, or group can be victims of objectification in advertisements, women are mainly targeted.

The clip has become an object of analysis, reports and comments. Even at school, at university or at work, everybody is talking about it. So have I done it with my friends. It comes as no surprise, though, that this marketing campaign has gone viral. It shows how many women face frequently, something which is actually disturbing, stressing and, believe me, not wanted at all. At last, it seems there are people who are making this problem visible and who want to raise awareness about it. But is that so?

“Domestic violence is a type of abuse by one or both partners in marriage, friends, family, dating or cohabitation” (Aziz & Mahmoud, 2010). There are many forms of abuse from verbal and emotional to physical that often escalates over time in intensity for the victim. Data from the criminal justice system, hospital patient medical records and mental health records, police reports, surveys and social services reports of thousands of women revealed that many are injured and killed as a result of violence from someone close to them. “The US Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) defines domestic violence as a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender” (Robertson & Murachver, 2009). Researchers and the criminal justice system have not been able to agree on a clear definition to domestic violence which can range from physical injury, stalking, verbal abuse and humiliation, denial of shelter and access to money, and intimidation through aggressive behaviors. The definition of domestic violence may vary but the results from physical injury, mental and emotional trauma, and sometimes even death can last a life time.

Domestic Violence (DV) is a critical social issue that negatively impacts not only our own culture in America but as well as all other cultures around the world. Domestic Violence is a global issue reaching across national boundaries as well as socio-economic, cultural, racial and class distinctions (Kaur & Garg 2008). Domestic Violence is a serious problem that can be seen around every society from families of both developed and underdeveloped countries and of different backgrounds. Although there are various cases of domestic violence against men, children and the elderly; women account for the majority percentage of victims of Domestic Violence. This violence can take the form of physical assault, psychological abuse, financial abuse or sexual assault (Kaur & Garg 2008). Domestic Violence is a trend that is on the rise and will continue to plague our society if nothing is done on time to address this social issue.

Domestic abuse is a serious ongoing situation that is occurring all around the world, and according to the Women’s Aid organization, they define this abuse as a “pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behavior” (2015). This violence can vary from aggressive behavior to sexual assault that occurs with their partner or family member. In most of the cases reported to officials, this is experienced by women and is continued by men, due to the fact that females are seen as the weaker link. So to advocate about anti-domestic violence, the Women’s Aid campaign made a billboard, with one simple goal. It was to see if anyone in the public passing by the enormous sign would notice what it showed or read the

According to statistics found by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Every nine seconds a woman is abused by her husband or intimate partner. At least 1 in every 4 women and 1 in every 9 men have been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused in their lifetime. Most often the abuser is one of their own family. Domestic violence is a problem that somehow affects every one of us in this room at some time and is actually the leading cause of injury to women -- more than car accidents, muggings and rapes combined.

In 2013, UN Women launched an ad campaign that revealed the prevalent and rampant sexism and discrimination against women worldwide. Memac Ogilvy and Mather Dubai, the creators of the advertisement, placed authentic Google search text boxes over the mouth of the woman pictured, as if to silence her voice. By using a Muslim woman in a hijab, real searches via Google, and highlighting the true, subconscious feelings and attitude of the audience, the advertisement attempts to expose the negative biases towards women, ranging from stereotypes to blatant denial of their rights.

“Why is it So Hard to See Black and Blue”?  According to the Salvation Army and Care Haven, it is “Hard to See Black and Blue” on a White upper-class woman because viewers focus on her gold and white dress, rather than on the bruises that cover her body.  The sponsors of the public service announcement put a gold and white dress on a battered woman to incorporate a popular phenomenon with something serious: domestic violence. Within the last decade, there has been an increase in reported incidents of domestic violence among upper-class renowned Americans males.   Martha Ross, a reporter, interviewed a few of these men.  All of them blamed their actions on “accidents” or the woman ("Charlie Sheen?").  Despite these men’s excuses, they still gain support; instead of taking the abuser’s side people need to protect women.  One group that understands the need to protect women from these types of men is the Salvation Army; they have a division called CareHaven that specializes in sheltering women and their children who have experienced domestic abuse (Salvation Army’s CareHaven).  In the advertisement on the previous page, CareHaven appeals to viewers’ sense of logic and emotion by using a woman, text, and an illusion to persuade people to report and, thus, stop abuse against women.

“Every year in the United States there are over 3 million incidents of domestic violence. That means that every nine seconds a women is beaten by her domestic partner” (Findeley). There are many women that stay silent when being abuse by their partners. The consequences of staying quiet when obtaining abuse can be dangerous and can also lead to death. Many women do not recognize the importance of the fact that there is in speaking out if they are being abuse by their partner. No woman should take domestic abuse by their partners. Every woman deserves a healthy relationship; A healthy relationship involves trust, respect, and consideration for the other person. Domestic abuse has gotten worse during the past years and is still rising up. One can see that domestic abuse can occur everywhere. Domestic abuse is considered a crime and woman should not keep silent when being abuse.

Domestic violence could be defined as being a pattern of behaviours involving, psychological abuse, physical abuse, sexual assault and rape. Moreover, it is used as a form of, maintain control over another individual within an intimate relationship. Women are often the victims of domestic violence, however, it does also occur that men fall victim in