The United Nations supports the campaign as part of their initiative against gender-based violence which runs from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10. Sadly, one in four American women will be a victim of domestic violence during her lifetime, which translates to about 4,774,000 women per year. Horrifyingly, over 1500 American women were killed by men they knew in 2011. Pamela Anderson, Halle Berry, Tina Turner, Kelly Rowland, Rihanna and Evelyn Lozado have all spoken out about being victims of domestic violence.
Palombo’s dramatic campaign featuring Kim, Kendall, Miley and more major stars focuses on encouraging women who are victims of domestic violence to overcome their fear of speaking out against their abuse and their abusers. So many women who are battered by partners stay silent because they feel ashamed that they have been victimized. Palombo told Hollywoodlife.com that he wanted to do what he could to fight violence: “Everybody has to do their part to eliminate violence against women, as an artist, I wanted to tell the world to break the silence, because this silence kills.”
“Domestic violence is a social cancer that knows no boundaries or social status. It can affect anyone, whether you’re an ordinary person or a celebrity,” Palombo of Milan, Italy has explained. That’s why he has posted the slogans, “Life Can Be A Fairy Tale If You Break The Silence,” and “No Woman Is Immune From Domestic Violence” across the doctored photos of the stars. Here’s more info about the International Day for the Elimination of Violence.
Ruth M. Glenn, Executive Director of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, tells HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY, “You don’t need to be physically abused to be a victim of domestic violence. It can be coercion and emotional abuse. It can be sexual. As a society we don’t do enough to stop it, and we don’t talk about it enough. Domestic Violence is very complex. I want victims to know that when and if they do decide to speak up, that they are safe and have the support that they need.”
For those who need help, Ruth, a survivor of domestic violence herself, suggests immediately calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visiting www.domesticshelters.org and www.ncadv.org.
Hollywoodlifers — do you think that using the photos of the stars is an effective way to fight domestic violence? Let me know.