No Excuse For Abuse!

Speech bubbles saying "it was only a bit of banter", "he can't help himself, he was abused as a child", "It's her fault for staying with him", "The drink makes him act violently"

“It was only a bit of banter.” 
“He can’t help himself, he was abused as a child.” 
“The drink makes him act violently.” 
“It’s her fault for staying with him.” 

We’ve probably all heard excuses like these. Excuses that try to justify or explain away domestic abuse and violence against women and girls. 

We see them in newspaper headlines and on TV; we even hear politicians or other influential people repeating them. 

But the truth is that there is no excuse for abuse. 

Survivors should not be victim-blamed for the abuse they suffer. Committing violence and abuse against women and girls is a choice an abuser makes – only they are responsible. 

The public narrative that makes excuses for abusive behaviour lets abusers off the hook and makes it harder for survivors to come forward. Women and girls should not be constantly subjected to harmful stereotypes like this. 

On average one woman is killed every 5 days by a partner or ex-partner. If we want to change that, we have to change the narrative. 

Let’s speak out together. Add your name today to say there is no excuse for abuse and violence against women and girls.   

Add your name!

Signed:

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