Suffocating Love
Preventive Measures
Taiwan’s Domestic Violence Prevention Act, modeled after U.S. legislation, has been in effect for over 20 years and has undergone multiple amendments.
Over time, the law has expanded its scope to include victims aged 16 and older, non-cohabiting intimate partners, and even witnesses of domestic violence, reflecting a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive and proactive protection.
Learning from Global Models: U.S. and Australia as Prevention Leaders
The United States has long been seen as a pioneer in domestic violence legislation, while Australia has introduced workplace safety programs specifically designed to protect survivors, helping them maintain physical safety and reduce exposure to potential threats.
As Taiwan moves toward strengthening its own prevention systems, looking to international perspectives on gender-based violence prevention—especially from countries like the U.S. and Australia—can offer valuable insight for improving local laws and social safety networks.
Prevention and Intervention Strategies for Abusive Partners
Digital Safety and Privacy: Encouraging Help-Seeking Through Secure Technology
With the widespread use of digital devices—such as computers, smartphones, and tablets—paired with messaging apps, online relationships have become more accessible and diverse. Many people have successfully transitioned from online friendships to romantic relationships, even leading to marriage. However, the digital world also carries hidden dangers. Online identities can be easily falsified, making it difficult to truly know who someone is. It’s often only after the relationship deepens that red flags begin to appear: verbal abuse, physical violence, phone surveillance, and emotional manipulation. This highlights the importance of privacy-centered digital safety tools, which not only help protect individuals from harm but also encourage victims to seek help without fear of being monitored or exposed.
Workplace Safety Plans for Domestic Violence Survivors
In Australia, employers have introduced supportive measures to help domestic violence survivors protect their safety while maintaining employment. One key policy includes 10 days of paid leave, allowing survivors time to move, attend court, or help their children transfer schools. Some workplaces also assist by reassigning survivors to different departments, changing their work locations or schedules to prevent abusers from stalking them during commutes. Additional safety measures include filtering phone calls and mail to block unwanted contact. While not yet adopted universally, these workplace safety plans are increasingly being promoted as a critical layer of protection for survivors.
Mandatory Reporting Systems: A Double-Edged Sword
In the United States, certain revisions to public health laws require medical professionals to screen for signs of domestic violence during patient visits. However, because each state has its own legal framework, some states are now reconsidering or even seeking to abolish mandatory reporting laws. Critics argue that mandatory reporting may push victims further away, rather than encourage them to seek help. Advocates suggest that when social services are confidential and survivor-centered, victims are more likely to feel empowered to seek support voluntarily, rather than feeling they are being forced into government intervention.
Teen Dating Violence Prevention: JBWS Program Model
The JBWS dating violence prevention program is built on three key components: education, counseling, and public awareness. Through active engagement with community-based networks, the program supports teens in navigating difficult breakups and recognizing unhealthy relationship patterns. Key support networks include parents, schools, police, courts, peers, and trained advocates, who work together to guide and stand beside the youth as they confront emotional pressure and seek safer, healthier relationship outcomes.
Change Starts with Us: Shifting Social Structures and Daily Life
Advocating Through the White Ribbon Campaign and V-Men Movement
The White Ribbon Campaign: A Global Movement to End Gender-Based Violence The White Ribbon Campaign is a global social movement aimed at combating and preventing sexual violence and harassment. Launched in 1991 in Canada by a group of men, the campaign calls on other men to take a stand. Participants wear a white ribbon as a symbol of their commitment to reject violence against women. The movement’s core mission is to educate and encourage men to play an active role in promoting a culture of respect and gender equality, while taking responsibility in helping to reduce sexual violence and harassment. White Ribbon advocates participate in various forms of activism, including public rallies, awareness campaigns, education programs, fundraising efforts, and support for related organizations. Today, the campaign has received widespread support across countries and regions worldwide, becoming a major force in advancing global conversations around gender equality and anti-violence advocacy.
It is also worth noting that November 25 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, also known as White Ribbon Day—a symbolic date that reinforces the campaign’s global call to end violence against women and girls.
This day was officially designated by the United Nations in 1999 to raise global awareness about domestic and gender-based violence, and to emphasize the importance of protecting women's rights.
Observed annually on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women calls for global action to end violence against women and girls.
Around the world, various events and campaigns are held to highlight the issue and encourage both governments and the public to take concrete steps toward gender equality, and to eliminate violence in all its forms.
The V-Men Movement: Promoting Men’s Health and Emotional Resilience
The V-Men Movement, popularized by South Korean boy band BTS, is a campaign aimed at encouraging men to take greater responsibility for their overall well-being, including mental health, exercise, and nutrition.
The initiative emphasizes that men should not ignore their health due to societal pressures or stereotypes. Instead, they are encouraged to actively engage in healthy routines and share their experiences with others.
BTS members often promote the movement by sharing their own wellness habits on social media, inspiring more men to adopt positive, sustainable lifestyles.
Developing consistent and healthy habits not only improves physical well-being but also helps individuals regulate their emotions and manage stress more effectively.
This reduces the tendency to rely on others for emotional control, and lowers the risk of using violence as a means of emotional release—a key factor in preventing abusive behavior.
Protecting Generation E: Digital Safety and Family Care
Starting with Generation E: Online Safety and Family Support for Youth With the rise of digital technology, online safety has become a growing concern—especially for youth and their families. Recently, the emergence of abusive partners targeting young people online has made this issue even more urgent. According to experts, many teens fall victim to cyberbullying, inappropriate content, online scams, and harmful speech due to a lack of digital literacy. In these cases, youth need more guidance and care to protect themselves from harm. In recent years, there has been a rise in abusive individuals forming relationships with young people online, then exploiting their vulnerabilities through blackmail, coercion, or even sexual assault. These behaviors not only hurt the victims but can also strain family dynamics and trust. To tackle these issues, Generation E is advocating for solutions: More internet safety education for both youth and families to build awareness of online risks School- and community-based support programs to help young people develop healthy digital habits Stronger family communication to keep parents better informed about their children’s online experiences Organizations like the White Ribbon Care Association in Taiwan are leading the way. They promote responsible internet use among youth, offer education and counseling, and encourage parents and educators to join efforts in safeguarding the next generation online. Beyond digital safety, the White Ribbon Care Association also focuses on family relationships and emotional communication. They offer resources on parenting, family education, and strategies to build stronger, more harmonious home environments. Additionally, the association is actively involved in social justice initiatives—including gender equality and domestic violence prevention—to make a broader impact on society.
Conclusion
You Deserve Safety, Healing, and Support
Being stalked or threatened by an abusive partner can have a serious impact on your mental health.
Psychologists, social workers, and domestic violence specialists are here to help you navigate these situations and provide the support and guidance you need.
Seeking therapy can be a powerful step toward processing what you’ve been through and gradually putting your life back on track.
Most importantly, remember: this is not your fault.
Give yourself the time and space to heal. The behavior of an abusive partner is not normal, and you are not to blame for what happened.
You should never feel ashamed or guilty. Instead, acknowledge your feelings, seek support when needed, and prioritize your mental and physical well-being.
One day, you will find yourself returning to your own life—with renewed confidence, freedom, and peace.
Above all, never underestimate the importance of your safety.
If you ever feel at risk, please don’t hesitate to contact the police or reach out to professional support services.