Domestic violence is a form of violence that occurs within a household.
While it often presents between romantic partners, it can also describe violence between children, parents, or siblings living in the same home.
In the United States alone, nearly 20 people per minute experience domestic abuse. In 2014, the Washington Post reported nearly one-third of U.S. women had been in an abusive relationship— but they also admitted actual numbers were likely much higher.
“Victims who are involved in violent relationships or who have recently experienced severe forms of violence might be less likely to participate in surveys or might not be willing to disclose their experiences because of unresolved emotional trauma or concern for safety,” researchers explained.
As such, we can only assume that rates of domestic violence are really much higher.
When it comes to physical abuse, many victims suffer from bodily effects, like bruises, purple marks, broken bones, chronic fatigue, etc. However, abuse can also have long-term psychological and emotional effects too. Symptoms like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, hopelessness, low self-esteem, and anxiety often result from these horrendous situations.
For many victims, abusive relationships begin as a perfect, whirlwind romance, the reality not revealing itself until it’s already too late. Often, the victim can be made to feel guilty for these acts of abuse, ultimately blaming themselves. Isolation and financial control (other common traits of these partnerships) can make leaving the relationship increasingly difficult. As a result, many victims will start to lose hope.
Earlier this year, professional dancers Dakota and Nadia made a stand against domestic violence on the France’s Got Talent stage.
Presenting in front of the judges, the couple wore simple, neutral-colored outfits. They explained their dance is about domestic violence before proceeding to give a performance that blew everyone away.
Their unique choreography plots the story of an abusive relationship.
Dakota “spins” and “kicks” Nadia around the stage in the most beautiful, compelling, yet horrifying way. Moments of hate are interspersed with moments of softness, imitating the back-and-forth ‘honeymoon’ and ‘punishment’ phases of abuse.
As they dance Jessie Reyez’s “Figures” makes a haunting soundtrack. The candid portrayal of abuse is underscored by raspy-voiced lyrics such as: “I wish I could hurt you back/Love, what would you do if you couldn’t get me back?”
The portrayal is painfully honest and poignant, bringing the judges to tears.
“What we just saw was marvelous,” a female judge told them. Another judge praised Dakota for choosing to relay such a powerful message— especially as a man. “It’s important,” she tells him, “to show not all men are cruel, and it’s great that you’re showing males there’s nothing stronger than softness.”
Since being uploaded to YouTube, the performance has been viewed more than 650,000 times.
It’s extremely emotional and poignant, and I’ve never seen anything quite like it.
“This captured the real emotion and back and forth of abuse… Mental and physical abuse is something that’s hard to recognize when you’re in it and nearly impossible to escape alone. They captured that beautifully,” wrote Kaitlyn Kennedy.
Tara Alvarado asked: “Did anyone else start crying because I am sobbing.”
“As a dancer myself, I found this so powerful,” Beth Faith added. “Honestly had chills throughout! AMAZING!”
If someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please click here for a list or resources that can assist in getting them help.
Watch the emotional performance below.
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