Angelina Jolie Offers Advice to Women Who Fear Abuse

Angelina Jolie has reached out to women who are facing abuse during the holiday season and has offered ways to help them. The actress recently opened up about her humanitarian work with Harper’s Bazaar U.K.

She is working as UNHCR Special Envoy which involves her activism against gender-based violence. The Oscar winner suggested women fearing abuse amid the holiday season should reach out for help. The instances of domestic violence during the pandemic has increased comparatively.

The actress urged women to talk to someone, try to find allies, and be connected for emergencies. She told the magazine, “For example, you can agree on a code word with a friend or family member, which tells them if you are facing an emergency. Begin to build a network and gain knowledge. It’s sad to say, but you can’t assume all your friends and family will always want to believe and support you. Often it will be strangers who help. Or other victims, support groups or faith groups.”

Angelina further urged women to be careful and that they know the danger they are in. She said until they find their support outside, they may feel alone. The actress has been vocal about her support to women who go through abuse. She recently gave a keynote speech last month at Conference on Action with Women and Peace.

The Maleficent actress also explained why she finds her work so important as she shared that she values women. She had shared how she cannot stand to see the immense and enduring suffering so many women face. The actress further added the little accountability there is in the situation.

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“Learn how trauma affects our health and can lead to biological changes”

Angelina admitted to seeing the same patterns repeatedly all over the world. She said, “Women are vulnerable because societies are unequal. Women and children suffer disproportionately as a result of war or economic crisis. They make up two-thirds of all refugees and displaced people, and they are hardest hit by the effects of climate change.”

The Oscar winner further shared that domestic or gender-based violence is not taken seriously anywhere. She shared how we “overlook the trauma and injury suffered by children who witness or experience violence in their own homes.”

The director further added that people don’t want to see abuse even when it is right in front of them because it is easier not to. She is a mother to six children who she shares with her ex-husband, Brad Pitt. The actress has shared how someone can do if they suspect someone else might be a victim of abuse.

“If it has even crossed your mind that someone you know might be vulnerable in this way, try to stay close and present in their lives,” she explained. Angelina added making it clear that make sure they know you are there for them. She also suggested educating ourselves and learning about domestic violence.

The actress added, “Learn how trauma affects our health and can lead to biological changes, particularly in children. Take these issues seriously.”

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.