March 17 – 21 marked the inaugural week of awareness: NO
MORE Week.
NO MORE Week is all about getting people to stand up and
speak out against domestic and sexual violence. The campaign offers the entire nation
a platform from which to be heard, asking for participants from all 52 states. Supporters
are encouraged to download posters pronouncing “NO MORE. I say no more because…” leaving it to the individual to fill
in the blank with either their personal feelings of or experiences with the
issue of domestic violence. You can also upload a photo to the NO MORE website
or on social media with a statement about what moves you to end domestic
violence.
The result has been astounding—a very personal, minute by
minute glimpse into hundreds of stories—each one extraordinarily personal, each
one compelling, and each one poignant and purposeful. To look at some of the
photographic essays, go to noomore.org/gallery or check out the social media
sites at facebook.com/nomore.org and twitter.com/nomore.org, hashtag
#nomoreweek.
NO MORE has given a global voice to a global problem,
enrolling corporations and individuals alike. They’ve instigated conversations
on a broad spectrum incorporating healthy relationships, teen dating and advocacy, and
have brought DV as a health and business priority into focus. In its first year, NO
MORE has gained an enormous following and obtained a reach that is
unprecedented and impressive. It’s taken the conversation to a new level—not just
about those in violent situations, but domestic violence as a topic of concern
for everyone.
NO MORE may have started out as just a unifying symbol for
domestic violence and sexual assault, but their work has generated support and
resources to help existing organizations in a very real and meaningful way. Over
the past week, major corporations joined forces and pledged millions of dollars
to help end domestic violence and sexual assault as part of a major effort to
increase support in the private sector. For many of these corporations, this is
the first time they have taken on this issue—an issue that many have stayed
clear of in the past.
The corporate commitments announced this week include:
- Allstate Foundation—50 percent increase in funding for
financial empowerment services benefiting domestic violence survivors.
- Avon Foundation
for Women—3 grants focusing on prevention and intervention training
tools.
- Finn Partners—Pro
bono communications and public relations counsel for the NO MORE symbol and
movement
- GUESS? Inc. / GUESS Foundation—Investment to support Peace
Over Violence’s annual sexual violence awareness campaign, Denim Day.
- Jazz Pharmaceuticals—Donation to the NO MORE public awareness
efforts.
- Mary Kay—$1 million to the loveisrespect text for help service
as well as $100,000 to support Break the Cycle’s, “NO MORE Silence: It’s Time
To Talk Day”.
- USA Network—Will air a 16-hour “NO MORE Silence” marathon of
Law and Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU) on April 27, 2014 to commemorate National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.
- Valeant Pharmaceuticals—Donating a goal of $1 million from
sales of its aesthetic injectable, Obagi, and dermatology products to support
the National Coalition Against Domestic
Violence.
- Verizon Wireless—$75,000 to support Break the Cycle’s “It’s Time To Talk Day,” including a teen dating violence
prevention PSA.
- Viacom—Will produce and disseminate new, NO MORE PSAs,
co-directed by Founder & President of the Joyful Heart Foundation, Actress
Mariska Hargitay.
All of this occurred during NO MORE Week. As I said, it is
astounding and it’s been very effective.
Learn more at nomore.org.
