Kate Winslet narrates UN Women's sobering PSA about the 'shadow pandemic' of domestic abuse

Kate Winslet narrates a new PSA from UN Women's UNstereotype Alliance highlighting the issue of domestic abuse during the coronavirus lockdown, calling it the "Shadow Pandemic." The campaign, which was put together by Interpublic Group agencies together with Getty images and filmed across homes in 14 countries, juxtaposes Winslet's voiceover telling us about the worrying upsurge in domestic abuse cases during the pandemic against footage that gives us glimpses into homes and domestic scenes: an unmade bed, toys in a box and a pan boiling on a stove seem innocuous at first, but images like a ticking clock, spilled water and closed blinds become more chilling as she describes how people are "trapped in a home with an abuser." The film, created via MRM and produced by Craft, concludes with clear calls to action of how people can help those who they suspect of being abuse -- check in with them, educate yourself on domestic abuse and find numbers of local services, and call the police if you suspect lives are in danger. The campaign comes as lockdown is easing in some countries, but UN Women still fears that women are at risk and there are increased strains of security and money worries. “Even before the pandemic, violence against women was one of the most widespread violations of human rights,” said Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, executive director of UN Women, in a statement. "Since lockdown restrictions, domestic violence has multiplied, spreading across the world in a shadow pandemic. This is a critical time for action, from prioritizing essential services like shelter and support for women survivors, to providing the economic support and stimulus packages needed for broader recovery.”

Kate Winslet narrates UN Women's sobering PSA about the 'shadow pandemic' of domestic abuse

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