‘The Dress’ debate turned into domestic violence statement (Video)

The debate about “The Dress” is over, whether it’s white and gold or black and blue. The Salvation Army is taking the dress to a whole new level, it’s the latest push to raise awareness in the fight to end domestic violence.

“Although it’s pretty provocative in the way it looks, it does drive home a very important message,” said Major Bob Parker, The Salvation Army’s Birmingham Area Commander.

The ad shows two pictures. The first is of a severely beaten and bruised woman wearing the dress with the caption, “Why is it so hard to see black and blue?”

A follow up picture shows a woman applying make up with the text, “Because they cover it with white and gold.”

“I think I was a little shocked by it. It really did catch me that way, and I had to think about it, which actually is a good thing,” said Parker.

Even though the ad was tweeted out by the Salvation Army’s South Africa office, it’s having a world-wide impact.

“It is a bit shocking when you see it, but when you realize what it’s saying, it’s something we all need to be thinking about and aware of,” said Parker.

As the ad states, an estimated one in six women are affected by domestic violence and the majority of them don’t report it. Parker hopes this type of message will help change that trend.

“Hopefully every victim of domestic violence will in someway benefit from this,” he said.

Agencies/Canadajournal