Lauren Luke and Refuge - Don't Cover It Up campaign

Domestic violence charity Refuge have teamed up with internet sensation and makeup artist Lauren Luke for their powerful new campaign ‘Don’t Cover It Up’

The powerful online campaign is telling  victims of domestic violence, and wider society, ‘Don’t cover it up’. The online film takes a brave and disarming approach to the issue of domestic violence, encouraging women to break down the silence which so often masks abuse and reach out for help from specialist organisations like Refuge.

You can watch the film on Lauren Luke’s YouTube channel www.youtube.com/panacea81

It’s short and it is unsettling. Lauren appears onscreen with severe cuts and bruises on her face.  Her injuries are fake, but the viewer is led to believe that they have been inflicted on her by an abusive partner.  She proceeds to deliver her make-up tutorial, calmly applying foundation to cover up her bruises and giving practical tips on how to minimise the effects of physical violence.  The video ends with a shocking statistic – 65% of women who experience domestic violence keep it hidden.

ds to be done to reach this group and educate them about domestic violence.  A survey undertaken by Refuge and YouGov in 2009 revealed that over half of young women aged 18-21 had experienced at least one abusive incident from a boyfriend, husband or partner.  Despite this, only 41% said that they would know where to go for help if they experienced domestic violence.

Refuge hopes that this video will be shared far and wide among young women and girls, helping to raise awareness of abuse.

Lauren’s injuries may be fictitious, but domestic violence is a horrifying reality for thousands of women and children up and down the country. Two women are killed by a current or former partner every single week in England and Wales.  One woman in four will experience domestic violence at some point in her life.  Yet, despite this, domestic violence is still, largely, a hidden crime.

Victims of abuse often feel too afraid or ashamed to speak out and the myth that domestic violence is a private matter, to be dealt with behind closed doors, still persists.  Furthermore, some types of domestic violence do not leave physical marks: the effects of emotional, psychological and financial abuse can be severe and long-lasting, even though they may be invisible to the naked eye.

So, take the time to watch the video, share it, and get the message across. You can also help spread the word, but tweeting – try this message on Twitter – Check out this makeup tutorial on how to look your best after a heavy night #dontcoveritup https://bit.ly/O7mjOY

 For more information, visit the Refuge website. To donate immediately, text: ‘LUKE05 £2’ to 70070.