In a powerful new campaign titled “Spot the Flags,” LADbible has partnered with Women’s Aid to raise awareness about coercive control and abusive behaviours in relationships. This collaboration aims to educate the public on recognising and challenging these behaviours early on, which can often escalate into more severe forms of abuse.
The primary goal of the “Spot the Flags” campaign is to help people identify the red flags of coercive and controlling behaviour in relationships. By doing so, the campaign hopes to prevent the escalation of abuse and protect vulnerable individuals.
A key component of the campaign is the short film “Van Wife,” produced by Merman. This poignant film follows a young couple and illustrates how seemingly minor coercive behaviours can escalate into serious abuse. The film serves as an educational tool to help viewers recognise these red flags in their own relationships.
In addition to the film, LADbible has created a series of social-first content pieces inspired by the film. These include segments like “A Day in A Van Life” and “Asking For a Friend,” which are shared across popular platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. This content aims to engage a younger audience and spread awareness in a relatable and accessible way.
The campaign also features an episode in the No Filter series, with Mia Boardman, a Women’s Aid ambassador, sharing her personal experience with domestic abuse. Her story provides a powerful and personal perspective on the issue.
This campaign is particularly significant as it coincides with the 9-year anniversary of the criminalisation of coercive and controlling behaviour in the UK. Despite this legal milestone, there remains a critical need to address and prevent domestic abuse. The “Spot the Flags” campaign highlights the ongoing efforts required to protect women and children from these insidious forms of abuse.
Farah Nazeer, Chief Executive of Women’s Aid, emphasised the importance of recognising and challenging abusive behaviours to protect women and children. She stated, “By understanding and identifying coercive control, we can take steps to challenge and stop it before it escalates.”
LA Ronayne, Executive Creative Director of LADbible, expressed pride in partnering with Women’s Aid to spark conversations around coercive behaviour. “We are proud to use our platform to bring attention to such a critical issue and to support Women’s Aid in their mission to end domestic abuse,” Ronayne said.
Sharon Horgan, Founder of Merman, highlighted the privilege of working on a project that brings attention to the insidious nature of coercive control. “Creating ‘Van Wife’ was a deeply meaningful experience, and we hope it will resonate with viewers and help them recognize the signs of coercive control,” Horgan remarked.
READ MORE: Myths about domestic abuse – Women’s Aid
As a female led team the collaboration between LADbible and Women’s Aid is a powerful example of how media and social platforms can be leveraged to drive social change and support vulnerable communities. By raising awareness and educating the public, the “Spot the Flags” campaign aims to make a significant impact in the fight against domestic abuse.
NORTHERN EXPOSURE
National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247 (run by Refuge)
The Men’s Advice Line, for male domestic abuse survivors – 0808 801 0327 (run by Respect)
The Mix, free information and support for under 25s in the UK – 0808 808 4994
National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428 (run by Galop)
Samaritans (24/7 service) – 116 123
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