Project Title It's not always the Princess
Year 2016
“I’m sick and tired of my life. I am keeping myself calm and quiet because of my two kids.”
- Paul
1. Project Introduction
This is a fictional advertisement concept to aware people towards a closeted subject in our society – Domestic Violence towards the male sex. While we encourage women to report their abuse, we condemn men for doing the same thing, acknowledging them as weak and unmanly.
It is mandatory to demystify violence against men and view them as equals who deserve as much respect and support as any other victim.
Why men don't leave the relationship
Some of the reasons include the need to protect your children,
feeling ashamed of the situation or just being in denial.
2. Case Insight
While the majority of DV victims are women, abuse of men in heterosexual relationships happens far more often than you'd probably expect, with an estimated two out of five cases happening in men.
“Typically, men are physically stronger than women but that doesn't necessarily make it easier to escape the violence or the relationship. An abused man faces (...) skepticism from police, and major legal obstacles, especially when it comes to gaining custody of his children from an abusive mother (…)” – helpguide.com
Provision of Refugee
In England and Wales, there is only 60 help shelters
for male domestic violence victims, compared to the 7500 for women.
3. Concept
The idea was to transmit solidarity and interest in helping the cause through a poster with a strong and simple message. The thought process went from searching survivor’s stories, to looking for a powerful male figure that people knew and finding in their story some element that could be integrated into the layout.
After some thinking, one of the most original choices encountered was Super Mario, a beloved character with a very interesting game idea behind - Saving the Princess. But just like Domestic Violence, it's not always the female that needs help.
"It's a scandal that (...) all domestic violence victims are still not being treated equally. We reject the gendered analysis that so many in the domestic violence establishment still pursue (...). Each victim should be seen as an individual and helped accordingly." – Mankind Initiative
4. Project Sources
The Guardian: More than 40% of domestic violence victims are male
Help Guide: Help for Men Who Are Being Abused
Australian Broadcasting Corporation: What about men? Challenging the MRA claim
Mayo Clinic: Domestic Violence against men - Know the signs
Thought Catalog: 25 Domestically Abused Men Reveal Their Horrifying Stories
Battered Men: Read victim's stories
Men's Advice Line UK
Thank you for watching.
