Join Us in Becoming Changemakers Against Domestic Violence

 
The lockdown policies adopted earlier this year, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, have further exposed how extensive domestic violence against women is. Being isolated at home with their aggressor was the very opposite of sheltering in place for many women.

According to the World Health Organization, around the world, almost a third of women who have been in a relationship have been the victims of physical or sexual violence by their intimate partners. And that is probably a conservative estimate, as it is well known that many incidences of domestic abuse and violence are never reported.

It's clear that domestic violence is nothing short of a pandemic too, and one that has been perpetuating for years. We believe it is time for us to truly come together to help put an end to domestic abuse against women around the world.

At Miriam Quevedo we want to see women thrive, and being safe from violence is an essential first step to achieve that. That is why we are joining forces with the Ana Bella Foundation to support survivors of domestic violence to rebuild their lives and become changemakers in their community and in the world.

The Ana Bella Foundation

Founded by Ana Bella Estévez, herself a survivor of domestic violence, the Foundation is based in Spain but acting worldwide. Their mission is to co-create a society that is free from violence. This is achieved firstly by enabling women in abusive relationships to empower themselves to emerge from violent relationships not as victims, but as survivors. What’s more, they provide opportunities and support for survivors to become social changemakers by helping other women to break free from violence.

Since it became active, in 2006, the Ana Bella Foundation has helped more than 30,000 women to call themselves survivors instead of victims. Many of them have joined the Foundation and act as agents of change. They support victims and help educate teenagers and young adults to prevent abusive relationships.

The foundation's main goal is to help 2 million women break free from abuse yearly. Through partnerships with businesses and institutions, they also aim to provide 2 million people with training on gender equality and violence awareness.

Empowering women to break free from their abusers is key in the activities of the Ana Bella Foundation. They actively work to expose the magnitude of the issue of domestic violence, but with a focus on the positive stories of survivors. This helps motivate victims to reach out to the Ana Bella Support Network. Their over 23,000 volunteers are active 24 hours a day, year round, all over the world.

How to Become a Changemaker Against Domestic Violence

1. Know the First Signs of Abuse & Speak Out

Controlling behavior is often a precursor of domestic abuse and violence. A partner that constantly checks up on their girlfriend or spouse, has outbreaks of jealousy, or discourages/ prohibits them from interacting with friends or family could be a perpetrator of more serious abuse. Controlling behavior itself causes psychological abuse and can also lead to physical violence.

If you are a direct witness or suspect a situation of domestic violence, don't remain silent. Report it to the relevant authorities or get in touch with the Ana Bella Foundation (call +34 667233133 or email comunicacion@fundacionanabella.org) and find a way to ensure the victim that they are not alone.

2. Become a Volunteer

Become an active part of creating change, whether it's through providing support to victims or becoming an educator. You can follow the Ana Bella Foundation on Instagram to stay up to date with their activity and DM them for volunteering opportunities.

3. Donate

The Ana Bella Foundation is a labor of love, one that emphasizes the value and strength of care givers. In addition to their powerful and dedicated human resources, the Foundation also needs financial support in order to achieve its mission.

We will be donating 10% of the proceeds from sales made through our website in September to the Foundation. This means you can make a contribution with every purchase of a Miriam Quevedo product. If you would like to make a larger donation, or a monthly recurring one, you can do so at any time through the Foundation's website.

Thank you for joining us and the Ana Bella Foundation in co-creating a society free of domestic violence!