Taylor Swift released her music video to ‘Patient Zero’ on September 27, and it has resonated with lots of people who have been abused by an intimate partner.

As October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month begins, the video offers an opportunity to look more closely at some of the behaviors portrayed. 

The Lyrics 

“If you wanna party with somebody who might know
About the devil on his shoulder under his halo”

“I bet he burst into your life like fireworks
I bet he even said “I love you” first” 

“I know he charmed your family and friends
And you thought it’s cause he loves you

But it’s cause he loves how everybody else loves him
I know it seems like he shines so bright” 

Abusers can be very charming, say all the right things, and be well-liked. Victims are isolated through the power and control of the abuser.  

It takes a victim an average of seven times to escape and attempting to flee is the most dangerous time. With no one to turn to for help and not enough money to begin again, survivors must often navigate a series of barriers to safety.   

The Video 

The ‘Patient Zero’ video tells the story of a current girlfriend (Dakota Johnson), former girlfriend (Taylor Swift), and boyfriend (Colin Farrell). 

It depicts Farrell using the same tactics on Dakota and Taylor. Arguing, manipulation, and gaslighting. After Dakota stumbles at a party for Farrell, he criticizes her during the drive home and shifts responsibility onto her.

By the end of their conversation, she is apologizing to him and questioning her own behavior. 

The Statistics 

Three women are killed by a current or former intimate partner in the United States every day. More than 20 domestic violence homicides occur in Kentucky every year.  

The risk for lethal harm increases when a victim attempts to escape because the abuser is losing power, control, and dominance. That’s why safety planning is so important. 

Support Takes Root 

After the video’s release, we received a $13 monthly recurring donation to support our services for survivors. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, you can help safety and healing take root. Find more ways to take action and visit our community calendar here.