According to the campaign’s Facebook page, domestic violence victims are being encouraged to draw a simple black dot on the palm of their hands to alert others to their situation.

The campaign was created by a domestic violence survivor who said she experienced physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. “This is an idea, thinking outside of the box, trying to open up the world’s eyes and ears to what is going on in terms of abuse”.

Those services included emergency shelter, housing, transportation, childcare and legal representation.

Within a week, the campaign has reached almost 5 million people, according to the group’s Facebook page. Some issues are raised that with the high campaign changing into high profile, the person committing the abuse can recognize the image. And it’s helped 49 people escape from their abusers to a safe place. Many have pointed out that professional support charities and organisations may not be aware of the black dot campaign and will have not received training on what to do when confronted with it.

Polly Neate from Women’s Aid told The Huffington Post: “It can be very hard and risky for victims of domestic abuse to speak out about what is happening to them, due to fear of what the perpetrator will do, and fear of not being believed”.

“I think part of the struggle to say that they are being victimized is to say they are being victimized”.

One Facebook user, Jenn Hunton, posted about the initiative on her page – and the status was shared more than 56,000 times.

A small grassroots campaign is growing and helping the voiceless be heard. If you see a black dot or are approached by somebody for help, if safe to do thus take them to safety and get them in contact with the relevant agency.

Advocates at Bradley Angle, a local non-profit that works with victims of domestic violence, say it could be a life-saving tool, especially for victims forced to rely on strangers, such as doctors and nurses, for help.

October marks National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, as well as the 40th anniversary of Bradley Angle Resource Center.