NO MORE Week

 

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.