The makeup tutorial, aired Wednesday on Channel 2M's Sabahiyat show, gave tips on how to conceal bruises and other evidence of domestic abuse, with the help of cosmetics.
"After the beating, this part is still sensitive, so don't press," the host said in Arabic. "We hope that these beauty tips help you carry on with your normal life," she stated at the end of the program.
A Change.org petition came quickly after the program proclaiming, "Do not cover domestic violence with makeup, condemn the aggressor!" The petition called for "severe sanctions" against the show and the channel. So far, over 2000 people have signed.
The channel removed the footage from its website and apologized for an "error in judgement in view of the sensitivity and the gravity of the subject of violence against women," in a statement Friday. The media outlet has also promised to "take the necessary steps towards the people responsible for this error and to strengthen the tools of control and supervision on this subject."
According to the group UN Women, some 35 percent of women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime. Since the 1993 UN General Assembly Declaration on the elimination of violence against women was adopted, at least one in three women still experience physical or sexual abuse.
