By Juanito Vargas
October 17, 2016
Safe Horizon launched the #PutTheNailinIt campaign to spark a conversation around domestic violence by asking supporters to take the vow to end domestic violence by painting their left ring fingernail purple.
Today I am sending a special invite to all men and boys to paint their left ring fingernail purple and help start a conversation about domestic violence. As a male advocate for domestic violence survivors, here’s why I am painting my nail and encouraging others to do so.
We all know that the vast majority of domestic violence victims are women. Conversely, most perpetrators of domestic violence are men. Still, as we see every day throughout our programs, domestic violence has a profound impact on the men and boys among us. 1 in 7 men, and 1 in 4 gay men, will be a victim of domestic violence in his lifetime. And young boys are among the over 3 million children who witness domestic violence every year.
Men need to know that we have an essential role to play in ending domestic violence. We can set an example to our sons and the men in our lives by standing up and saying that domestic violence is never okay.
For many men, society may not expect painted nails as part of their daily fashion choices. When someone sees an unexpected purple nail on one of us, it’s a new opportunity to start a conversation and raise awareness about Safe Horizon and our services for victims.
I #PutTheNailinIt. Now, let’s get all the men in our lives to do the same.
First, donate to Safe Horizon by clicking here; then paint your left ring fingernail purple to signify your vow against domestic violence; and finally, share a picture of your painted ring fingernail on social media with the hashtag #PutTheNailinIt. You can also show your support by pledging to take the vow here.
Men, you can make a statement and start the conversation by taking the #PutTheNailinIt vow today!