12-Year-Old Domestic Violence Advocate Karelina Coco Clarke Defends Blake Lively’s It Ends With Us Amid Media Backlash
For several years, Karelina has been deeply involved with Sanctuary Housing women’s shelters, where she has taken a hands-on approach to helping children who have experienced domestic violence. Despite her young age, Karelina has organized gift drives, advocated for the creation of better facilities like playgrounds at shelters, and regularly spends time with the children, offering them emotional support and a sense of normalcy during difficult times. Her work reflects a deep empathy and commitment to making a difference in the lives of these vulnerable children.
“My role in The Messenger, where I portrayed a daughter affected by domestic violence, was incredibly meaningful to me,” Karelina shares. “But my real work happens when I’m with these children at the shelters. I’ve seen firsthand how domestic violence impacts their lives, and I’m committed to doing whatever I can to help them feel safe and supported.”
Blake Lively’s It Ends With Us, adapted from Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, has resonated with audiences worldwide, pushing the issue of domestic violence into the global spotlight. Karelina deeply respects how Lively’s work is raising awareness and inspiring dialogue on such an urgent topic.
“I think it’s incredible how It Ends With Us is bringing such an important issue into mainstream conversation,” Karelina says. “As someone who has worked directly with children affected by domestic violence, I truly respect how Blake Lively is using her platform to highlight this issue. It’s a powerful reminder of how the arts can make a real difference.”
Karelina’s involvement with Sanctuary Housing is not just an extension of her on-screen roles, but a vital part of who she is. Her dedication to helping those in need, particularly children, has made her a respected young advocate within her community. Through her work, she continues to bring attention to the challenges faced by children who have endured domestic violence, and she hopes to inspire others to take action as well.
As It Ends With Us continues to generate headlines and bring crucial issues to the forefront, Karelina hopes to see more stories like this in the mainstream. She believes that by highlighting these issues, both in film and television, more people can be inspired to take action and make a difference.
For media inquiries, interviews, or appearances:
Nicole Harcourt
Chairperson
Sanctuary Housing Women’s Shelters admin@sanctuaryhousing.org.au
J Douglas
Sanctuary Housing Women’s Shelters
email us here
1 http://amp.smh.com.au/culture/movies/don-t-worry-darling-2-0-unpacking-the-drama-over-it-ends-with-us-20240812-p5k1ms.html
2 https://www.teenvogue.com/story/it-ends-with-us-movie-colleen-hoover-book-op-ed
3 https://www.glamour.com/story/blake-livelys-it-ends-with-us-the-problem-with-the-more-than-a-victim-discourse