Domestic violence charity uses powerful reversible poems to highlight hidden nature of abuse

The charity says cases are often overlooked during the festive period

Picture: (iStock)

Domestic violence charity Refuge has published a series of poems to raise awareness of the hidden nature of abuse. The poems have been timed to coincide with the Christmas period, as the charity say this is when many cases can be overlooked.

Entitled “Christmas Eve”, “Mistletoe” and “Auld Lang Syne”, the poems each feature heart-warming festive stories that become harrowing accounts of abuse when read in reverse.

At first glance, "Christmas Eve" appears to portray a family celebrating a traditional evening, opening: "Mum's laid out our best white tablecloth, a splash of warm claret infuses Dad's traditional punch." When read backwards, the lines reveal hidden connotations, which spell out an ongoing cycle of abuse: "Dad's traditional punch, a splash of warm claret infuses our best white tablecloth, Mum's laid out."

"Mistletoe" appears on the surface to be a romantic tale about a couple spending their first Christmas together, but read in reverse the words transform to reveal the man is a violent and controlling partner.

"Auld Lang Syne" sees the exciting moments spent counting down the New Year become a woman desperately willing the time spent with her abusive partner to pass.

Created in partnership with marketing agency McCann Bristol, the campaign has been launched as part of the UN Women’s ‘16 Days of Activism,’ initiative, which calls for action to end violence against women and girls around the world. The UN movement began on November 25, the International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women, and will run until December 10, Human Rights Day.

Actor Maxine Peake will read one of the poems on two Bauer media stations between the 24 and 31 December. “I’m delighted to support Refuge’s Christmas campaign to raise awareness of the terrifying reality that women and children face when they live with a perpetrator of domestic violence,” she says.

“Nobody should have to live in fear in their own home at any time of the year, but for those who do, it’s a relief to know that they can turn to Refuge’s services throughout the country and know that they will be listened to, believed and supported to rebuild their lives free from violence and coercion.”

On any given day Refuge supports more than 6,500 survivors, helping them escape potentially life-threatening situations and rebuild their lives.

Sandra Horley CBE, chief executive of Refuge, says: “Two women are killed by a current or former partner every week in England and Wales alone. Domestic abuse is the biggest issue affecting women and children in this country today – it really is a life and death issue.”

Speaking to The Independent, the charity says they have been “overwhelmed” with the amount of support the campaign has received, and say this is crucial to spread the word so people know where they can get help. “Domestic violence happens all year round – including at Christmas. We want women to know that no matter what time of year, no one should suffer in silence and they should ‘turn’ to us for support.”

As well as the poems, Refuge has just shared their ‘Sheroes’ mission, encouraging people to pledge to stand up to gender inequalities, traditional role models and expectations and power imbalances that lead to violence against women.

If you have been affected by any of the themes in this article, you can contact Refuge for free on 08082000247.