Red My Lips

The color red is often associated with danger or used as a warning. It has also been used to show resistance and courage. One group has taken the color to another level and created a movement with cosmetics. With the pandemic causing tensions to run high as we are forced to stay home, this has created another global crisis. Domestic abuse has risen worldwide as more families are forced to stay home with the added stress of Covid-19. UN Secretary General António Guterres tweets, “I urge all governments to put women’s safety first as they respond to the pandemic,” as layoffs and record unemployment cause surges in domestic violence cases. One organization is using cosmetics to bring this violence to light and empower people all over the world to fight back and support the people affected. You can join the movement, too, and it's as easy as opening your makeup bag.

Founded in 2012, after Danielle Tansino fell victim to sexual violence, the Red My Lips campaign has raised money and attention to the rising rate of sexual and domestic abuse around the world. They also strive to create a culture where victims of domestic violence and sexual assault feel safe and supported. The campaign is structured in the style of The SlutWalk and Movember; however, you do not need to leave your home. Men and women are encouraged to wear red lipstick to bring attention and start a conversation about rape and domestic violence.

Many celebrities and industry leaders have caught on and joined the movement as well. Australian Olympic athlete Simon Orchard explains his participation: “I think this is a fantastic opportunity for me to stand up and speak up for something which is often brushed aside in society. There's nothing humorous about the message; this is just a good way to try and captivate people's attention." Along with bringing attention to the violence, the campaign also works towards ending victim shaming. University lecturer Glynn Greensmith explains, “Not only do we need to say stop sexual violence - everybody knows that - we need to stop the victim-blaming. We need to change how the conversation is going on this, and I want to start that here. We're asking men to stand up; we're asking men to be part of the people who say 'don't teach your girls what to wear, teach your boys not to rape.”

Along with sharing a photo of yourself baring red lips, people also include hotline numbers and resources for women and children in need of assistance. Tansino explains the movement, “Wearing red lipstick allows supporters to speak out against these damaging myths and victim-blaming attitudes. It allows us all to stand in solidarity with survivors and refuse to be invisible…refuse to be silent.”

While the campaign runs during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, these acts of violence need to be brought to the forefront during a time when many families are forced to stay indoors with added stress and tensions.

Something as simple as a red lip raises awareness for something that many people are too afraid to speak on. Frankly, it shouldn't just fall on the victims of rape and sexual violence, and domestic violence to be the ones that speak up about it. Those of us who may not have experienced it but are aware should be brave enough to say, “We're going to get involved and be the ones delivering a message.”

If you've read this far, I challenge you to stop by your nearest drugstore or department store and get the brightest shade of red lipstick and snap a picture. The more Your solidarity and support could mean the world to someone who needs help.