Early in May, the hashtag #maybehedoesnthityou began trending on Twitter. Weeks later, and it’s still going strong, with thousands of users actively engaging with the idea.
The sheer number of tweets, all detailing different aspects on non-physical abuse, is a much-needed reminder that domestic abuse does not necessarily equate to physical violence.
Tweets with the hashtag talk about the ways that abusive partners can undermine a survivor’s confidence, use children as a ‘weapon’ in relationships, control them by limiting their access to money or through guilt.
“The hashtag is a powerful reminder that domestic abuse is not just physical,” said Polly Neate (Chief Executive of Women’s Aid), speaking about the hashtag to the Huffington Post.
Though #maybehedoesnthityou implies a male perpetrator, as we know, women can also perpetrate abuse.
In response, the hashtag #maybeshedoesnthityou has made an appearance and is emphasising the role that female perpetrators can and do play.
Though not all of those engaging with the hashtags are necessarily speaking about personal experiences, these hashtags remain a collection of many voices clearing up a misconception that many people still have about domestic abuse.
Abuse does not fit a single pattern– every relationship is different, and so is every survivor’s experience of abuse.
It’s great to see that more and more people are becoming confident enough to discuss domestic abuse and to speak out against it.
You can explore the hashtags and join the conversation yourself on Twitter.
If you are experiencing abuse and need help, find more information here.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999.