Words by Smiley Team
Social media is being used for good to bring together people who have experienced childhood domestic violence and abuse at home.
The charity Free Your Mind CIC, is asking people to come together on social media to raise awareness, using the hashtag #HearMyVoice on Sunday 3 October.
Founded by Natasha Benjamin in 2013, following her own experience of growing up around domestic abuse, Free Your Mind is the only charity that works directly with children and young people who have witnessed domestic abuse in the home, and the fallout of this on their mental health.
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All peer support workers within the charity have lived experiences of domestic abuse in their homes growing up - so the children they work with feel listened to and supported by them.
“We feel passionately that the issue of domestic abuse, and it’s longer-term effects on children and young people, needs to be brought to the forefront,” says Natasha.
One in three children will have an issue with mental illness directly linked to the experience of seeing domestic violence at home, with 1.8 million children being affected across the UK.
The non-profit is aiming to be able to support more children through more donations, to give children the tools they need to look after their happiness and wellbeing, while promoting the importance of having healthy relationships.
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Those who have grown up with domestic violence, domestic abuse and mental illness, know and have seen life in ways others haven’t. They know pain and a perspective so many never will.
By launching this campaign, in which we are asking people to share a photo of themselves holding up a sign in front of their mouths stating #HearMyVoice, they hope to raise awareness of this important social issue.
You can get involved on social media, or support the charity by donating.
