Press Room
Each time a domestic violence story is covered, media has an opportunity to save lives.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is a leading resource utilized by media, to provide viewers, listeners and readers with a toll-free number to call from anywhere in the country to access safety from their abusive relationships.
More than just a bridge to safety, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available to callers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to provide services in more than 170 languages. Hotline advocates answer questions, provide safety planning and information as well as directly connect callers to domestic violence resources available in their local calling area. All calls to The Hotline are confidential and anonymous.
Media Contacts
hotline.media@ndvh.org
512.685.6298
Recent Press Releases
Avon Foundation for Women Awards $200,000 Grant to The National Domestic Violence Hotline
Posted: Apr 15, 2013 | Comment
GIFT WILL INCREASE CAPACITY TO SERVE MORE VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
April 15, 2013 – The National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) announced that it has received a
$200,000 gift for 2013 from the Avon Foundation for Women to support NDVH’s efforts to answer
calls from domestic violence victims, friends and family members. Every day of the week, 24 hours a
day, NDVH has highly trained expert advocates available to talk confidentially with anyone affected by
domestic violence. NDVH provides callers with lifesaving tools and immediate support to enable victims
to find safety and live their lives free of abuse.
The gift is funding two new part-time advocate positions, which have just been filled, as well as
additional relief advocates, including bilingual advocates, to help respond to thousands of calls from
victims, their families and friends and even abusers. The Avon Foundation for Women’s Speak Out
Against Domestic Violence program has been a strong supporter of the hotline, giving more than
$500,000 to the organization.
“The Avon Foundation for Women’s Speak out Against Domestic Violence program is proud to be a long-
time supporter of the National Domestic Violence Hotline in its fight to end domestic violence,” said
Avon Foundation for Women President Carol Kurzig. “We are honored that our gift will directly affect
those who are calling the hotline for assistance with domestic violence, further extending the number of
calls the hotline is able to answer annually and bringing support to those who need it most.”
In 2012, nearly 53,000 calls for
help to NDVH went unanswered due to a lack of resources. “In addition
to our inability to answer every call, we have noticed a significant increase in Spanish-speaking calls
to our emergency hotline and this grant will help us better meet the need for additional bilingual
advocates to answer those calls,” said Katie Ray Jones, president of the National Domestic Violence
Hotline. “We are so grateful to the Avon Foundation for Women for their generous support for 16 years
and their continued partnership with us in the fight to end domestic violence.”
Currently, many Spanish-speaking calls to the emergency hotline are being routed to an outside
language interpretation service. By keeping these calls inside, NDVH can provide a seamless service to
callers as well as a decrease in the call waiting time. With the 2012 Avon gift, the emergency hotline
was able to answer 31,522 calls.
About The National Domestic Violence Hotline
Operating around the clock, seven days a week, 24/7, confidential and free of cost, the National
Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) provides lifesaving tools and immediate support to enable victims
to find safety and live lives free of abuse. Callers to the emergency hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
can expect highly trained experienced advocates to offer compassionate support, crisis intervention
information and referral services in more than 170+ languages. Visitors to www.NDVH.org can find
information about domestic violence, safety planning, local resources, and ways to support the
organization. NDVH is part of the largest nationwide network of programs and expert resources and
regularly shares insight about domestic violence with government officials, law enforcement agencies,
media and the general public. NDVH is a non-profit organization established in 1996 as a component of
the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). It relies on the generous support of individuals, private gifts
from corporations and foundations and federal grants. For more information, visit www.NDVH.org or
call 512.794.1133.
Avon Speak Out Against Domestic Violence
The Avon Foundation for Women launched Speak Out Against Domestic Violence in 2004 to support
domestic violence awareness, education and prevention programs aimed at reducing domestic and
gender violence, as well as direct services for victims and their families. Through the end of 2012, the
Avon Foundation for Women has donated $33 million in the United States to support domestic violence
programs, services and education. Globally, Avon supports efforts to end violence against women in
nearly 50 countries by raising funds through special product sales and raising awareness through events
and with educational information disseminated by more than 6 million global Avon Representatives.
Visit www.avonfoundation.org for more information.
President of The Hotline offers comment regarding offensive t-shirts removed for sale on Amazon
Posted: Mar 5, 2013 | Comment
March 4, 2013 – Katie Ray-Jones, President of the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) and the National Dating Abuse Helpline (NDAH) issued a statement today regarding t-shirts offered for sale by the company, Solid Gold Bomb on Amazon’s UK website. The t-shirts that were available for sale up until last week read, “Keep Calm and Rape On” and “Keep Calm and Hit Her.” The founder of the company that offered the shirts for sale has expressed his apologies and has accepted responsibility for the computer error he created that ultimately resulted in the offensive t-shirts available for sale on Amazon. You can see the founder’s apology at
www.solidgoldbomb.com. The t-shirt options have been removed from the company’s website and all Amazon channels worldwide.
“Every day, we receive approximately 600 calls from men and women in crisis. Intimate partner violence affects nearly one in every
four women and one in every seven men. It is never okay and it should never be trivialized. We are, therefore, encouraged by the level of outrage expressed by the global community over the potential sale of these offensive t-shirts. We are glad none were ever sold. The founder of the company whose admitted carelessness resulted in the generation of the slogans has expressed his sincere apologies for his mistake. We are satisfied by his apology and efforts by the company and Amazon to swiftly correct the issue by removing the t-shirts for sale on all channels worldwide.” - Katie Ray-Jones, President of the National Domestic Violence Hotline and National Dating Abuse Helpline.
If you would like to interview a spokesperson about domestic violence, please contact Liz Bradford at 512.685.6298 or hotline.media@ndvh.org.
President of the National Domestic Violence Hotline and National Dating Abuse Helpline applauds reauthorization of Violence Against Women Act
Posted: Mar 1, 2013 | Comment
February 28, 2013 – President of the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) and the National Dating Abuse Helpline (NDAH), Katie Ray-Jones issued the following statement today regarding the passage of the Violence Against Women Act:
“We applaud members of Congress for coming together to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. This legislation that extends protections to all victims no matter their race, legal status or sexual orientation sends an important message that no victim should be excluded from receiving critical resources that will help them live a life free of abuse.”
If you would like to interview a spokesperson about domestic violence, please contact Liz Bradford at 512.685.6298 or hotline.media@ndvh.org.
About The National Domestic Violence Hotline
Operating around the clock, seven days a week, 24/7, confidential and free of cost, the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) provides lifesaving tools and immediate support to enable victims to find safety and live lives free of abuse. Callers to the emergency hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) can expect highly trained experienced advocates to offer compassionate support, crisis intervention information and referral services in more than 170+ languages. Visitors to www.NDVH.org can find information about domestic violence, safety planning, local resources, and ways to support the organization. The NDVH is part of the largest nationwide network of programs and expert resources and regularly shares insight about domestic violence with government officials, law enforcement agencies, media and the general public. The NDVH is a non-profit organization established in 1996 as a component of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). It relies on the generous support of individuals, private gifts from corporations and foundations and federal grants. For more information, visit www.NDVH.org or call 512.794.1133.
About the National Dating Abuse Helpline
The National Dating Abuse Helpline is the direct service provider behind loveisrespect.org, operating the 24/7 phone, text and chat services. The Helpline, originally known as “loveisrespect.org, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline,” was launched in February 2007 with help from founding sponsor, Liz Claiborne Inc. It is a national, 24-hour resource specifically designed for teens and young adults. Accessible by phone or internet, the National Dating Abuse Helpline operates from a call center in Austin, Texas. The Helpline offers real-time, one-on-one support from peer advocates. We train these young leaders to offer support, information and advocacy to those involved in dating abuse relationships as well as concerned friends, parents, teachers, clergy, law enforcement and service providers.
NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE PROJECTS THREE MILLION CALLS ONE YEAR EARLIER THAN EXPECTED
Posted: Jan 29, 2013 | Comment
Washington, DC – The National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) announced that it expects to reach a critical milestone nearly one year earlier than expected – answering three million calls since the hotline’s inception in 1996. Today’s announcement was made at a special congressional briefing to highlight the important role the NDVH plays in assisting all victims of domestic violence.
The NDVH is a nationwide organization staffed by highly trained advocates who give victims of abuse lifesaving tools and referrals to programs that can immediately help. Unlike hotlines serving only one state or geographic area, the NDVH provides access to the largest national network of resources and shelters and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in 170 languages. Last year, the hotline received 265,000 calls from victims, survivors, their families and friends, service providers and abusers.
“The positive news is that more people in crisis are accessing the hotline for help and utilizing the services and resources we provide,” said Katie Ray-Jones, President of the NDVH. “But it’s also a sad and sobering reminder that domestic violence continues to be a national health problem in our country.”
The congressional briefing brought together a panel of experts to discuss the issue of domestic violence — what it means and how best to tackle the growing need for services and technology to support victims of abuse. The panel included representatives from the NDVH, Casa de Esperanza and Verizon Wireless.
“Because one in four Latinas will experience domestic violence in their lifetime and Hispanics comprise over 20 percent of the callers to the hotline, we believe that greater access to information and resources like the NDVH for Latino communities is vital in our outreach and support of victims,” said Amy Sanchez, chief executive officer for external relations of Casa de Esperanza.
The NDVH provides help to members of all communities regardless of race, age, gender or sexual orientation. As a non-profit organization, the hotline relies on the generous support of individuals, private gifts from corporations and foundations as well as federal grants.
“Today’s announcement underscores the need for strong public/private partnerships and corporate resources to increase awareness of domestic violence and further prevention efforts,” said Elva Lima, executive director of public relations for Verizon Wireless. “We are honored to be a part of today’s panel and committed to our partnership with the NDVH.”
Exclusive to Verizon, HopeLine puts Verizon technology and the nation’s most reliable and largest wireless network to work in communities by turning no-longer-used wireless phones and accessories into support for victims and survivors of domestic violence and helps protect the environment by disposing of wireless phones and accessories in an environmentally sound way. Those seeking help can also dial #HOPE from their Verizon wireless phones to be connected directly to the NDVH.
Callers to the hotline may be experiencing physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional/verbal abuse, addiction and abuse, financial abuse, reproductive coercion and many other complex circumstances and situations.
“Unlike other important milestones, like birthdays or anniversaries, responding to three million calls at the hotline is not a cause for celebration.” said Dyanne Purcell, chief executive officer of the NDVH. “Our hope is that today’s announcement and discussion elevate the dialogue and heighten awareness about the issue of domestic violence.”
About The National Domestic Violence Hotline
Operating around the clock seven days a week, 24/7, confidential and free of cost, the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) provides crisis intervention, information and referral services to victims of domestic violence, their friends and families and even their abusers. Callers to the emergency hotline, 1-800-799-SAFE, can
expect highly-trained experienced advocates to offer compassionate support, counseling and instruction for finding safety. Visitors to www.NDVH.org can find information about domestic violence, safety planning, local resources, and ways to support the organization. The NDVH has the largest nationwide network of programs and expert resources and regularly shares insight about domestic violence with government officials, law enforcement agencies, media and the general public. The NDVH is a non-profit organization established in 1996 as a component of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). It
relies on the generous support of individuals, private gifts from corporations and foundations and federal grants. For more information, visit www.NDVH.org or call 512.794.1133.
National Domestic Violence Hotline and National Dating Abuse Helpline extend sympathy to families of Jovan Belcher and Kasandra Perkins; offer 24 hour support and resources for all affected by domestic violence
Posted: Dec 3, 2012 | Comment
December 2, 2012 – Officers of The National Domestic Violence Hotline and The National Dating Abuse Helpline offer deepest sympathies to the families and friends of Kansas City Chiefs player Jovan Belcher and his girlfriend, Kasandra Perkins who authorities say were killed yesterday in an apparent murder-suicide. While law enforcement officials continue their investigation into this tragedy, we want to remind all who are affected by domestic violence that support and resources are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at www.TheHotline.org or 1-800-799-SAFE and www.LoveIsRespect.org or 1-866-331-9474.
“Today we extend our condolences to those affected by the violent deaths of Mr. Belcher and Miss Perkins. Tragically, we know from studies on murder-suicides in the U.S. that there are between 1,000 and 1,500 deaths per year in the United States as a result of murder-suicide and that three women die daily as a result of domestic violence. It is a national health problem that is not going away, but help for victims and those who love them is available,” said Katie Ray-Jones, president of the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Critical life-saving resources and support for victims, survivors, their family and friends and even abusers can be found at both hotlines that offer services around the clock in English and Spanish. Callers in crisis can expect to speak to an advocate who will triage the situation and quickly define the next steps so that they can reach safety and remain safe. All calls to The Hotline and The Helpline are confidential.
If you would like to interview a spokesperson about domestic violence, please contact Liz Bradford at 512.685.6298 or hotline.media@ndvh.org.
About The National Domestic Violence Hotline
The National Domestic Violence Hotline was established in 1996 as a component of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) passed by Congress. The Hotline is a nonprofit organization that provides crisis intervention, information and referral to victims of domestic violence, perpetrators, friends and families. The Hotline answers a variety of calls and is a resource for domestic violence advocates, government officials, law enforcement agencies and the general public.
About the National Dating Abuse Helpline
The National Dating Abuse Helpline is the direct service provider behind loveisrespect.org, operating the 24/7 phone, text and chat services. The Helpline, originally known as “loveisrespect.org, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline,” was launched in February 2007 with help from founding sponsor, Liz Claiborne Inc. It is a national, 24-hour resource specifically designed for teens and young adults. Accessible by phone or internet, the National Dating Abuse Helpline operates from a call center in Austin, Texas.
The Helpline offers real-time, one-on-one support from peer advocates. We train these young leaders to offer support, information and advocacy to those involved in dating abuse relationships as well as concerned friends, parents, teachers, clergy, law enforcement and service providers.
Acknowledgements:
TheHotline.org is supported by Grant Number 90EV0407/03 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)/Administration for Children and Families. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Administration for Children and Families or the U.S. Department of HHS.
The Hotline Encourages Everyone to Get Involved and Help Raise Awareness During October for National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Posted: Oct 2, 2012 | Comment
Austin, Texas- October 1, 2012 – The National Domestic Violence Hotline today welcomed October, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, as a chance for everyone – victims, survivors, advocates, law enforcement, supporters and political leaders – to unite in our work to end abuse.
“We want the public to know The National Domestic Violence Hotline is the only national Hotline in the United States for victims of domestic violence and we are open 24-hours a day, every day for women, men, children and families in danger,” said Katie Ray-Jones, President of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. “We also want to take this opportunity in October to raise awareness about The Hotline and get more people across the country involved in creating change.”
Throughout October, communities across the country will celebrate the tremendous progress victim advocates have made over the years, mourn for those whose lives were taken by domestic violence and connect with one another with a true sense of unity to end domestic violence.
We also want to empower everyone to get involved and help raise awareness about domestic violence. We recognize the power that each one of us has in making a difference for someone. At The Hotline, every call is a chance for healing and change.
This year we’re launching a special DVAM campaign that EVERYONE can be involved in. For 20 days in October, we’ve developed special challenges. We want you to complete these challenges and share your achievement with us. By taking our daily challenges, you’re saying that TODAY you are taking a step towards ending domestic violence.
We will be using a blog and our Facebook/Twitter accounts as we go through this month. Every Friday starting on October 12, we will dedicate our blog to celebrating what our users are doing in their own communities.
One in four women will be the victim of domestic violence at some point in her lifetime, and, on average, three women are killed every day at the hands of a current or former intimate partner.
The Hotline Celebrates the 18th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act and Calls for Bi-partisan Support for the Reauthorization of VAWA
Posted: Sep 13, 2012 | Comment
Austin, Texas – September 13, 2012 – The National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) today celebrates the 18th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women’s Act (VAWA) and asks Congress to support reauthorization of the landmark legislation.
The Hotline was created by the legislation and has helped millions of women, men and families since its creation. The Hotline receives more than 22,000 calls a month from victims of domestic violence and their families and friends.
“The Hotline is open 24-hours a day, every day and it is a life-line for women, men, children and families in danger and offers victims help and hope,” said Dyanne Purcell, CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. “We are honored to have helped more than 2 million callers since The Hotline was created by the Violence Against Women’s Act (VAWA).”
United States House Judiciary Chairman Lamar Smith recently declared, “It is essential that programs like these are in place to protect victims not just from physical bruises but from the emotional and mental scars as well. Funding through VAWA has helped women escape abuse and rebuild their lives.”
Vice President Joe Biden today also praised the passage of the Violence Against Women Act saying it gives law enforcement and courts more tools to combat domestic violence and hold offenders accountable. “We created a national hotline to direct victims to life-saving assistance and since VAWA passed, annual rates of domestic violence have dropped by more than 60 percent,” said Biden.
VAWA represents our federal government’s coordinated community response to sexual assault and family violence services. Rape crisis centers, family violence centers, law enforcement, prosecutors and the courts all form a part of this response.
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The National Domestic Violence Hotline
The National Domestic Violence Hotline was established in 1996 as a component of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) passed by Congress. The Hotline is a nonprofit organization that provides crisis intervention, information and referral to victims of domestic violence, perpetrators, friends and families. The Hotline answers a variety of calls and is a resource for domestic violence advocates government officials, law enforcement agencies and the general public.