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#MaybeHeDoesntHitYou: Viral Hashtag Highlights the Many Faces of Domestic Abuse
When most folks think about domestic abuse, they often envision physical violence—punches, slaps, or shoves that leave visible marks. However, abuse can take on many forms, and a new viral hashtag is shining a light on the less obvious types of harm inflicted by those we love.
Recently, writer Mia Thompson sparked the hashtag #MaybeHeDoesntHitYou on Twitter, sharing a series of thought-provoking tweets that depict scenarios of emotional and verbal abuse. One tweet reads, “Maybe he doesn’t hit you; he just constantly comments on your weight after you’ve had his kids.” Before long, the hashtag gained traction, with countless individuals—both men and women—sharing their own experiences with controlling partners and toxic relationships. The tweets reveal a spectrum of abuse, from belittling words to emotional manipulation, all designed to make victims feel worthless or trapped.
This conversation isn’t new; it echoes sentiments from previous campaigns like #WhyIStayed, which gained momentum after footage of NFL player Mike Johnson assaulting his partner went viral. Though these hashtags emerged from different incidents, both aim to raise awareness about domestic abuse’s signs and combat the ever-present culture of victim-blaming.
Statistics from organizations like Safe Horizons are alarming: one in four women will encounter some form of domestic violence in their lifetime, and over three million men in the U.S. are victims of physical assaults by their partners. Equally distressing is the fact that more than three million children witness domestic violence in their homes yearly. I should know; I grew up in such an environment. My father verbally abused my mother, and while he never physically harmed us kids, the scars of manipulation and control left their mark. My mom left when I was nine, taking us with her, but the emotional fallout lingered. It took years of therapy for me to learn how to build healthy relationships, and not everyone is fortunate enough to access that kind of support.
One silver lining to this ongoing dialogue is the opportunity for education about the various forms of abuse, helping survivors understand they are not alone. Abusers often isolate their victims and instill a sense of undeserved shame. Sharing our stories dismantles those lies, allowing us to unify in a space of respect and understanding. Let’s hope these discussions lead to real change for those trapped in all types of abuse.
If you or someone you know is facing domestic abuse, consider checking out Safe Horizons for resources and support. And if you’re interested in pregnancy and home insemination, you can find some great insights on this blog post or explore this expert guide on the topic. Additionally, for a week-by-week guide to pregnancy, March of Dimes is an excellent resource.
In summary, the #MaybeHeDoesntHitYou hashtag is a powerful reminder that domestic abuse extends beyond physical harm. By fostering awareness and sharing experiences, we can support survivors and challenge the stigma associated with all forms of abuse.