Domestic Violence Statistics: 70% of Cases Go Unreported

Amidst a sea of mindless "What's In My Bag?"and "Outfit Of The Day" YouTube videos lies a powerful PSA that may help young women in abusive relationships break their silence. 

Entitled "How To Look Your Best The Morning After," 30-year-old Beauty Guru Lauren Luke educates her overwhelmingly young female audience on how to cover up fresh-looking cuts and bruises. Of course, the marks that appear on Lauren's face are simulated, but for many women, the physical marks are all too familiar.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, domestic violence is one of the most chronically underreported crimes. Only 25% of all physical assaults, 20% of all rapes, and 50% of all stalking perpetrated against females by their partners are reported to the police. For the small number of cases that do get reported, on average, a woman will be assaulted by her partner or ex-partner thirty-five times before reporting it to the police. 

The "How To Look Your Best The Morning After" video is part of the "Don't Cover It Up" campaign sponsored by Refuge, a U.K. national charity. According to its mission statement, Refuge is committed to a world where domestic violence is not tolerated or ignored, and where women and children can live in safety. 

Luke's video has already garnered 600,000 views since its posting on July 1. In her interview with Refuge, Luke explains why she agreed to post the video for her 440,000 subscribers and the rest of the world to see: "A lot of women follow us on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter, so I just wanted to get the point out there and let everyone know that there's somewhere you can go if you need some support."