Photo: (Getty)
Domestic Violence Awareness Month may have passed, but spreading awareness about the issue is important 365 days a year. That's why Kelly Rowland has teamed up with Saving Our Daughters for their YELL Confidence initiative.
Saving Our Daughters is a women's empowerment org that fights things like domestic violence, dating abuse and bullying, and Kelly first told MTV Act about her involvement with them in February: "I meet so many young girls who openly admit to being abused and they are so young...my heart breaks. We have to take a stand against this and let young girls know that this is wrong and try to break some of the silence about domestic violence. . . We want to leave a significant impact on the world and YELL Confidence is one avenue to do that."
Since then Saving Our Daughters has released a special PSA of Kelly, and who can forget her powerful and honest look at domestic abuse in her video for "Dirty Laundry"? The "X-Factor" judge took time out of her busy schedule to talk more to MTV Act about why this cause matters so much to her.
ACT: Why is domestic violence an issue that's especially important to you?
KELLY: Domestic violence is an issue important to every woman. I've heard one in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. It's a real issue. I recorded a song, "Dirty Laundry," that addresses abusive relationships.
ACT: What's one thing – whether it's a stat or story you heard – about domestic abuse that you always share with your friends?
KELLY: One in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. That means one in four women you know, and you probably have no idea. In the past I didn't do this, but recently, I've developed the confidence to share my own story with my family, friends, and fans.
ACT: Along with working with Saving Our Daughters, how else can people take a stand against domestic violence?
KELLY: Get educated on the issue and help and support friends and family affected by abuse. Volunteer with organizations aimed to end domestic violence.
ACT: If someone is in an abusive relationship, or suspects that a friend might be in one, what can they do?
KELLY: Talk to them. Too many times people want to say something and don't, and if you truly love that person, you should help them. Also, get help. There are many organizations that support people in abusive relationships in your local area.
[Editor's Note: If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, you can always call 1-866-331-9497 or text "loveis" to 22522 to get help from Love is Respect. You can also reach out to Saving Our Daughters, the org Kelly is involved with.]
