Verizon Wireless has been a long time champion for Domestic Violence prevention. They run a HopeLine program year round which collects no-longer used wireless phones, batteries, and accessories and provides them to victims of domestic violence. According to The Hotline CEO Sheryl Cates, Verizon’s efforts have been a great success.

“Over the past year, the Hotline received more than 1,000 calls through #HOPE, so it’s clear that many victims are relying on wireless technology and #HOPE from Verizon Wireless as a vital safety link for them and their families,” said Sheryl Cates, CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. “We are happy to see Verizon Wireless and Nokia take the next step and pre-program #HOPE into the Nokia Shade device. This quick and easy access to the Hotline and our advocates will make it even easier for victims to find the resources they need for safety and independence.”

Please click here for more information about Verizon’s efforts.

Campaign Updates – August 28, 2008 

News

Did you hear the Boston NPR interview of the MA Governor on ending domestic violence? Did you know a group in Minnesota is making afghans for domestic violence victims? By following the Million Voices Campaign on Twitter you can hear about domestic violence in the news and read campaign announcements before anyone else.

YouTube is an amazingly addictive place to share your favorite videos.  We have bookmarked our favorite PSAs. Unfortunately there are not any videos on YouTube for the Million Voices Campaign. We’re looking for a few creative souls to produce a promotional video or two for the campaign to let us share with America. So grab your camcorders and start filming to spread the word about domestic violence and the Million Voices Campaign!

Teen Link – Ask an Advocate

Hi. My brother is in a bad relationship. His girlfriend is always accusing him of cheating on her even though he’s not. He won’t tell me what’s happening most of the time, but I’m pretty sure she’s hit him before too. Can guys be abused too? And would you help him if he called you?

Yes, guys can experience abuse just like girls. Although most resources are directed towards females that are being abused by males, the same resources can be used by guys to determine if they are being abused by their partner.

Your brother can always contact us by chat or phone (1-866-331-9474). Helpline advocates are trained to talk to guys and can discuss the signs, factors, and behaviors that constitute abuse in relationships. 

If you have a question for Ask An Advocate, please go to loveisrespect.

Opportunity for Action 

There are a couple talented photographers amongst us, and we made them Million Voices Campaign Flickr Favorites. We’ve decided to open the opportunity to others with creative abilities. Use your talents to photograph a message about domestic violence and the Million Voices Campaign then submit to our new photo group.   

A Call to Men: It’s Time to Become a Part of the Solution

by Anthony Porter A CALL TO MEN

It’s time for those of us who are “well-meaning men” to start acknowledging the role male privilege and socialization plays in sexual assault, domestic violence as well as all forms of violence against women. As well-meaning men, we must begin to acknowledge and own our responsibility to be part of the solution to ending violence against women.

What is a “well-meaning man?”

A well-meaning man is a man who believes women should be respected.  A well-meaning man would not assault a woman. A well-meaning man, on the surface, at least, believes in equality for women. A well-meaning man believes in women’s rights. A well-meaning man honors the women in his life. A well-meaning man, for all practical purposes, is a nice guy, a good man.

We must remember that silence is affirming: when we choose not to speak out, we support the behavior. We must accept our responsibility that sexual and domestic violence won’t end until well-meaning men become part of the solution. While a criminal justice response to violence is necessary, cultural and socials shifts are also required.  Read 10 Things Men Can Do To End Violence Against Women.

Share this newsletter with a well-meaning man in your life and ask them to join the Million Voices Campaign.

Contact Us

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE/ TTY line: 1-800-787-3224 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 161810, Austin, TX 78716 Web site: www.ndvh.org e-Newsletter editor: Kelly Wagner, kwagner@ndvh.org

Email Subscriptions: The National Domestic Violence Hotline sends a Vital Link e-newsletter every two months and sends Million Voices Campaign e-news twice a month. You may decide to receive all our emails, no emails at all, or only certain emails that interest you. If you would like to change your email subscription options, please email kwagner@ndvh.org.

Upcoming Events

NDVH Events:
Oct 28 – Vital Link Awards, NYC

Member Sponsored:
Jul 30 – Baton Rouge, LA

News

Same great newsletter – only better!  We have been busy this summer improving the campaign based on your feedback.  We’ve added web and newsletter features based upon the needs you have shared with us:

When GFWC of Baton Rouge emailed us a flyer in response to our last Opportunity for Action, we created the Tell Me When & Where, a listing of member-organized events.

We are also offering members who are coordinating events to request for volunteers. 

We have taken one of your favorite sections of the newsletter and turned it into a web feature called Great Actions & Good Ideas. In addition to recognizing great actions of your fellow campaign members, it will also highlight other good ideas.

Teen Link

40% of tweens age 11-12 say friends have been a victim of verbal abuse according to a recent study by loveisrespect and Liz Claiborne.  Check out the CBS Early Show coverage.  For more information, view the loveisrespect teen & tween dating abuse study summary.

Liz Claiborne, the founding sponsor of the Teen Helpline, has made a loveisrespect t-shirt available on their website. They’re the same t-shirts our staff and peer advocates wear when they’re out representing the Helpline. Plus, a percentage of each sale benefits loveisrespect, so check it out!

Prepping for DVAM – Opportunity for Action

The end of summer is near, and the Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) of October is right around the corner.  Across the country, groups will be holding events to bring public attention to the pervasiveness of domestic violence. 

If you would like to organize an event in your community, please look at these great DVAM event ideas! We will continue to update the DVAM resources on the website as they become available.

Please keep an eye out for additional materials and information! If you already have an event planned please let us know by sending a flyer to kwagner@ndvh.org. We will put it in the newsletter and post it on the website. Don’t forget to request help from additional campaign members through the volunteer request form. 

Reflections on the Campaign

In the last newsletter we posed a question to you about the role of media in reshaping the discussion on domestic violence.  We received overwhelming positive feedback, but we also received an intriguing question posed by several members: How can we hold the media accountable when there are so many others that are dropping the ball?  The members provided different examples based on their own experiences and it proved an excellent point.  The media is not our only concern.  The whole system needs changing and you are the answer!

Demanding an end to domestic violence is about change – change in perception and a change in the system.  But change will not occur if society remains silent. We need to challenge ourselves and others to take action and respond appropriately to domestic violence.  Your voice matters, and your actions make a statement.  When you merged your pledge with others across the nation, you began the seed of change.  Your whisper became the song of many.  An end to domestic violence is about changing the status quo, and you are the catalyst.

Read previous newsletters in the E-newsletter Archives.

Contact Us

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE/ TTY line: 1-800-787-3224 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 161810, Austin, TX 78716 Web site: www.ndvh.org e-Newsletter editor: Kelly Wagner, kwagner@ndvh.org

Email Subscriptions: The National Domestic Violence Hotline sends a Vital Link e-newsletter every two months and sends Million Voices Campaign e-news twice a month. You may decide to receive all our emails, no emails at all, or only certain emails that interest you. If you would like to change your email subscription options, please email kwagner@ndvh.org.

Hotline News: 
We are pleased to announce Rose Kirk has been named President of the National Advisory Board.  She is currently Vice President of Corporate Employee Communications at Verizon Wireless. Prior to her work with at Verizon, Kirk has led marketing programs both for private firms and large corporations such as SBC. She holds a B.S. degree in Journalism from Arkansas State University and is completing a Masters Degree in International Affairs from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Dede Bartlett is the Board’s past president, having served since its inception in 2004.

Teen Helpline News:
In June, actress Camille Winbush (The Secret Life of the American Teenager) joined Helpline director Candice Hopkins and staff in several dating abuse prevention presentations to Los Angeles area high school students. The assemblies were part of an effort to help spread awareness and prevention of dating abuse to California teens. More calls and online chats come in to the Helpline from California than any other state. 

Million Voices Campaign Update:
The Million Voices Campaign is taking strides to increase our web presence.  We are examining online social networks to determine which ones best suit our needs. Right now, you can find regular campaign updates in our bi-weekly e-newsletters and on Twitter.  To connect with members around the country, check out our forum, In Your Words, where members respond to monthly topics related to domestic violence.

Vital Link Awards

Online Registration Now Open
The 5th annual Vital Link Awards ceremony is the National Domestic Violence Hotline’s premiere annual event.  Each year, celebrities and prominent citizens, survivors, volunteers and staff, gather to recognize individuals and corporations who have dedicated significant time and resources in the fight against family violence.  This year, the Hotline is pleased to announce the following honorees:

• Vital Link Award- Verizon Wireless Foundation
• Inaugural National Volunteerism Award- General Federation
  of Women’s Clubs (GFWC)
• Media for Change Award- Seventeen Magazine and MySpace

In addition to receiving the Hotline’s highest honor, Verizon Wireless is showing their support in the fight against domestic violence, along with and FedEx and the CTIA Wireless Foundation , by sponsoring the awards ceremony.  Get details and register to attend the Vital Link Awards online.

Domestic Violence in the Headlines

A quick look at recent media coverage of DV-related news

• CBS news: Horrors found in tween, teen dating
• New York expanding law to protect more victims
• Woman shot and killed outside her workplace
• Five members of West Texas polygamist sect surrender

Subscribe to our newsletter:
The Hotline sends a Vital Link e-newsletter every two months and sends Million Voices Campaign e-news twice a month. If you would like to receive the news from the Hotline, please email amckendree@ndvh.org.

News

Member Count:12,700 members strong! Our goal is to reach 20,000 members in July. If each current member recruits just one more person, we can definitely make it!
 
GFWC Conference:
Representatives of the Million Voices Campaign recently attended the international conference for General Federation of Women’s Clubs in Chicago. Approximately 1,200 people attended. It was inspiring to see such a dedicated group of people working diligently to end domestic violence.
 

Vital Link Awards: Tickets for the 5th annual Vital Link awards ceremony are now on sale. Visit www.ndvh.org/vitallink for ticket prices and event details.

Teen Link

Bill of Rights may remind you of history class, but stifle that yawn because it’s important for you to know that as teens you have the right:

• To always be treated with respect
• To not be hurt physically or emotionally
• To refuse sex or affection at any time
• To have friends and activities apart from your boyfriend of girlfriend.
   

 Great Actions & Good Ideas

What have you been doing in your homes and communities on behalf of the Million Voices Campaign? Send your pictures and stories to kwagner@ndvh.org and you might be featured in an upcoming newsletter!

Opportunity for Action

When you are at holiday festivities this coming weekend, please tell two other people about the amazing campaign you joined to help end Domestic Violence in America. Even better, find a way to incorporate purple (the color for domestic violence prevention) into your decorations or food. Let everyone know that freedom from violence should be part of this Independence Day weekend.

Policy matters

The word “VAWA” is often used in the domestic violence movement.The Violence Against Women Act is a landmark piece of legislation that sought to improve criminal justice and community-based responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking in the United States. The passage of VAWA in 1994 and its reauthorization in 2005 has changed the landscape for victims who once suffered in silence.

The U.S. House recently proposed an international version of VAWA, H.R. 5927, which will support domestic violence programs in other countries.
 

Contact Us:
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE/ TTY line: 1-800-787-3224
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 161810, Austin, TX 78716
e-Newsletter editor: Kelly Wagner, kwagner@ndvh.org

Subscribing: The Hotline sends a Vital Link e-newsletter every two months and sends Million Voices e-news twice a month. If you would like to subscribe to receive these email updates in your inbox, please contact kwagner@ndvh.org.

Campaign Updates

A CALL TO MEN, a men?s domestic violence prevention organization, has recently partnered with the National Domestic Violence Hotline for the Million Voices Campaign to End Domestic Violence in America.  They will be listing us in their publication and on their website to encourage men to be a part of this exciting grassroots campaign.

Representatives from the Million Voices Campaign and the National Domestic Violence Hotline will be appearing at the upcoming International convention of the General Federation of Women?s Clubs in Chicago starting June 27th.  Be sure to stop by our booth in the exhibitor area! 

Member Count: 12,000! Thank you to those who forwarded our first newsletter.  We received a number of new registrations by the next morning!

Teen Link

Seventeen percent of teens say their partner has made them afraid not to respond to a cell phone call, email, IM or text message because of what he/she might do (Teenage Research Unlimited (TRU) for Liz Claiborne Inc., January, 2007).  Teen dating abuse is more than just physical violence.  It is also the use of threats and control.     

Let your friends know that causing fear is not love by adding loveisrespect.org to your MySpace friends list. View our MySpace profile.

Opportunity for Action

Thank you to everyone who submitted posts for the Share Your Voice action item!  There are many stories of hope and strength that remind us why we are a part of this important campaign.  For those who haven?t made it to that area yet, check it out here!

Ready for Action: Are you a member of an online forum, blog, or journal?  One of the best ways to spread the word about domestic violence prevention is to speak to people that are already listening to you.  Take a moment to let your online friends know that domestic violence is an intolerable act and that you have chosen to join the Million Voices Campaign to End Domestic Violence in America.  Don?t forget to include the campaign web address http://www.ndvh.org/million

Volunteer Recognition

The Follansbee 20th Century Club in Follansbee, WV, is very active in their community when it comes to domestic violence.  They use their monthly meetings to generate supplies for the local shelter.  The Club President submitted the photo of this billboard they sponsored advertising the National Domestic Violence Hotline number!  Way to go!

Prevention Matters

As a member of the Million Voices Campaign to End Domestic Violence, you are a part of the new vision in preventing domestic violence.  The campaign is a grassroots effort inspired by the 2006 Decade for Change Summit.

In 2006, leaders from across the United States met to discuss bold new approaches to reduce domestic violence in America by 2017.  A few of the guiding principles they set for prevention efforts include: 

• Encouraging greater confidence that domestic violence can be replaced with mutual respect.
• Recognizing that the causes and solutions to domestic violence are complex.
• Reaching out to be all inclusive and culturally sensitive in all our ideas and actions.
• Recommending community-level participation that will open the door to new ideas and unique strategies.

We hope these values motivate and guide you as a campaign member for the Million Voices Campaign to End Domestic Violence in America.    Read the final report for the Decade for Change Summit.

National Campaign Sponsors

Contact Us

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE/ TTY line: 1-800-787-3224
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 161810, Austin, TX 78716
Web site: www.ndvh.org
e-Newsletter editor: Kelly Wagner, kwagner@ndvh.org

Email Subscriptions: The National Domestic Violence Hotline sends a Vital Link e-newsletter every two months and sends Million Voices Campaign e-news twice a month. You may decide to receive all our emails, no emails at all, or only certain emails that interest you. If you would like to change your email subscription options, please email kwagner@ndvh.org.

Campaign Updates

Welcome
Welcome to the first issue of the Million Voices Campaign eNewsletter from the National Domestic Violence Hotline!  We will offer the newsletter twice a month so you can hear up-to-date news on issues pertaining to the campaign and domestic violence.

News
We are pleased to let you know we’ve improved our Million Voices online content and added an online Member Area. Now you can learn more, get inspired, and print great materials to take back to your community.  We will continually add new content and features for members, and welcome suggestions for greater improvements.

Member Count:
We reached our first 10,000 members on May 1, thanks mainly to GFWC members from all over the country!  And you haven’t stopped- today, the count is 11,000. Thank you all for signing up and encouraging others to join as well.

Teen Link

Congrats to the Junior Service Guild of GFWC Covington for recently submitting 92 registrations from their high school for the Million Voices Campaign. 

We want to hear about accomplishments from more teens.  Did you design a special shirt?  Did you create a poster?  Send us the pictures* and let us know so we can show everyone your great ideas!  Email kwagner@ndvh.org.

Teen Online Quiz:  Does Your Relationship Need a Makeover?
*Pictures require a signed photo release form in order for us to use them. Contact kwagner@ndvh.org for a copy of this form.

Opportunity for Action

The Million Voices Campaign is about using your voice to speak out against domestic violence.  That’s why we created Share Your Voice, a special section on our website that allows you to submit your thoughts and see what others are saying.

June’s theme is “I became a Million Voices Campaign member because…” 
Let America know why this campaign is important to you and to them: Share Your Voice.

Volunteer Recognition

We would like to recognize the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Mississippi for their submission of 2,000 Million Voices Campaign registrations.  Their entries helped us reach the 10,000 mile marker.  Thank you for all your efforts. 

We want to recognize YOU!  Please be sure to visit us at our booth at the international GFWC convention so that we may meet you.  Bring your photos to the convention from your different events and we will use them in our newsletter and website!

Did you know?

It is legal in many states for a landlord to evict someone if they are a victim of domestic violence.  Whether it is a current situation or a former partner continuing to harass a survivor, landlords have in many cases opted to evict renters from their homes.  Some states have created legislation to combat this issue. Delaware signed a bill into law this month to provide some protection for renters, but many states have failed to create similar legislation.

Sponsorship

Recently Lifetime Network sent out an email blast to 200,000 subscribers encouraging them to join the fight against domestic violence.  The Million Voices Campaign was listed as one of the top three campaigns to join! Thanks Lifetime!

Contact Us

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE/ TTY line: 1-800-787-3224
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 161810, Austin, TX 78716
Web site: www.ndvh.org
e-Newsletter editor: Kelly Wagner, kwagner@ndvh.org

Email Subscriptions: The National Domestic Violence Hotline sends a Vital Link e-newsletter every two months and sends Million Voices Campaign e-news twice a month. You may decide to receive all our emails, no emails at all, or only certain emails that interest you. If you would like to change your email subscription options, please email kwagner@ndvh.org. 

Tim Gunn takes a tour
Tim Gunn, Project Runway celebrity and Chief Creative Officer for Hotline supporter Liz Claiborne, paid a visit to the Hotline on April 23rd. The fashion guru toured the Hotline and Helpline to learn more about what we do here every day. Last year, Gunn emceed at the Vital Link Awards and during his April visit, he pledged to continue vigorously supporting the Hotline.
 

Helpline news
Loveisrespect, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline, has a lot to celebrate.The Helpline, a project of NDVH, celebrated its one-year anniversary in February. Next, the Helpline held its first-ever “A Day To Shine” prom fashion show and fundraiser in Austin, TX on March 29, with guest speaker Jaslene Gonzales, America’s Next Top Model winner in 2007. In May, loveisrespect.org received a “Judge’s Choice” Webby Award for its daily online chat support.
 
Million Voices Campaign update
The Hotline created the Million Voices Campaign to End Domestic Violence in America in October 2007. Now, the Million Voices Campaign has achieved its first milestone- reaching 10,000 members on May 1!
Help us double our success and reach 20,000 members by July!  Joining is easy and FREE.

Vital Link Awards: Save-The-Date

The 4th Annual Vital Link Awards will be held:
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Cipriani 23
200 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
More details soon! Check our events page for details
in the coming months.

Special Thanks

New Helpline Project
Thanks to Blue Shield of California Foundation’s generous grant, the teen Helpline is now working to create a database of California agencies and services to youth and teens. The teen-oriented agencies and programs in this database will become trusted referrals for the Helpline chats/calls from California. The Foundation is also working hard in California to promote healthy, respectful teen relationships.

Adopt-a-Mom project
A special thanks is in order to the Limited Brands for once again donating wish-list items to moms living in women’s shelters across the country through their annual Adopt-a-Mom project. As part of the project, the Hotline helps Limited Brands stores connect with shelters across the country. Once each participating retail store has chosen a local shelter to “adopt,” Limited Brands employees donate and deliver thousands of new and gently used items to benefit women in shelters just in time for Mother’s Day.

Charitable Giving

This month, you may be getting a tax refund check. For those who planned on saving it, consider this: by donating all or a portion of your refund, you can actually save some money by giving it away. How is this possible? Your refund is not considered taxable income, so you will pay no taxes on it next April, but you are still allowed to receive a tax savings when you deduct the amount of your donation from your 2008 tax return.

When you make a donation to the National Domestic Violence Hotline online, you will receive an acknowledgement letter containing the information needed for your 2008 return.

Domestic Violence In The Headlines

A quick look at recent media coverage of DV-related news

• The Hotline and Helpline were recently featured on Austin’s Fox News!  Check out the story here.
• St. Paul police seek to launch new unit on elder abuse
• Immigrants reporting more cases of violence
• State senator targets generational cycle of domestic violence
• Pediatricians asked to screen for spousal abuse
• Teen slain on prom date; ex-boyfriend is suspect

Contact Us

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE/ TTY line: 1-800-787-3224
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 161810, Austin, TX 78716
Web site: www.ndvh.org
E-news editor: Angela McKendree, amckendree@tcfv.org