Perhaps you know someone who has been affected by sexual assault or domestic violence. Maybe you suspect that someone you know has been directly affected. Or quite possibly, you do not even realize that you know someone who has been affected by sexual assault or domestic violence. Whichever camp you fall into, none of them should remain silent.
One in three women (30%) report being a victim of domestic violence; one in five women (20%) report being a victim of sexual assault. How many women do you know?
Over the past twenty years the pink ribbon has become the symbol of breast cancer awareness. Now, thanks to a new PSA, the term “NO MORE” will become the symbol for putting an end to domestic violence and sexual assault.
The way to put an end to this, the only way, is to generate awareness of how unacceptable this behavior is and to encourage bystanders to help. In my personal opinion, the more men we can get involved in this effort, the more likely it is that we will have effective results. We need more men to stand up and use their voices, telling boys and other men that sexual assault of any kind is deplorable.
Starting this week, a dramatic new series of public service announcements will feature the NO MORE symbol, presenting a unified front for these issues. More than 40 celebrities and public figures will directly address silence and inaction, encouraging bystanders to speak up.
We need to stop shaming victims and prevent this insufferable behavior from happening in the first place.
The campaign was created by the Joyful Heart Foundation, one of the many championing organizations behind the creation of the NO MORE symbol. The PSAs can be viewed at www.nomore.org/psas. You can also follow the conversation on Twitter at #NOMOREexcuses.
Will you stand up and say NO MORE?
Image source: www.nomore.org
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