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
media@ndvh.org
512.492.2405
Recent Press Releases
43% of Dating College Women Have Experienced Violent and Abusive Dating Behaviors
Posted: Sep 14, 2011 | Comment
Nation’s leading experts confirm college dating violence is a much larger problem than anyone realizes
A new survey reveals dating violence and abuse to be surprisingly more prevalent among college students than previously believed. Nearly half of dating college women (43%) report having ever experienced violent or abusive dating behaviors, and more than one in five (22%) report actual physical abuse, sexual abuse or threats of physical violence. Despite the high number of students experiencing these types of abuse, more than one-third of college students (38%) say they would not know how to get help on campus if they found themselves in an abusive relationship.
The survey, “Liz Claiborne Inc.’s Love Is Not Abuse 2011 College Dating Violence and Abuse Poll,” was conducted by Knowledge Networks to address the lack of data on dating violence and abuse among college students and to increase the understanding of this problem on college campuses nationwide.
According to dating violence expert, Dr. Karen Singleton, Director of Sexual Violence Response, a program of Columbia University Health Services, “This survey expands on earlier reports and reinforces the complexity of the issue.” Among the findings are:
- Nearly 1 in 3 (29%) college women report having been a victim of an abusive dating relationship in her life.
- 57% of students who report having been in an abusive dating relationship indicate it occurred in college.
- 52% of college women report knowing a friend who has experienced violent and abusive dating behaviors including physical, sexual, digital, verbal or controlling abuse.
- Further, 58% of students said they would not know how to help if they knew someone was a victim.
“The findings of this survey prove that colleges and universities need to provide a more comprehensive response and additional creative educational programs to address dating violence and abuse,” said Jane Randel, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Liz Claiborne Inc.
The survey findings were released today, during a forum to educate students about sexual assault prevention and survivor assistance at American University.
The full report of survey results can be found at www.loveisnotabuse.com.
National Dating Abuse Helpline and Break the Cycle Respond to the Urgent Need for Education
In direct response to these new findings, www.loveisrespect.org, a partnership between the National Dating Abuse Helpline and leading teen dating violence prevention organization, Break the Cycle, is launching an initiative to target college students with new, relevant resources to address the issue of dating abuse.
The expanded online content includes: Take Action (information on how students can get involved on their campus), Stay Safe (safety planning designed specifically for college students) and Help a Friend (information to assist bystanders). The survey shows that 57% of college students say it is difficult to identify dating abuse – substantive evidence of the need for increased education and awareness.
“It is our hope that with these targeted college resources, we can help increase knowledge about how students can combat the issue and ultimately, help prevent the prevalence of dating abuse and violence among students,” said President of the National Domestic Violence Hotline and National Dating Abuse Helpline, Katie-Ray Jones.
The resources are available, free online at www.loveisrespect.org.
In addition, Liz Claiborne Inc. has created a college dating violence curriculum called Love Is Not Abuse, designed to help students deal with dating violence and abuse on campus. The first college curriculum of its kind, Love Is Not Abuse educates students about the dangers and warning signs of dating violence, offers lessons specifically on abuse via technology and provides resources where college students can find help on campus.
The Love Is Not Abuse curriculum was created by a task force consisting of educators and domestic and sexual violence experts from Columbia University, George Mason University, the University of Kansas, Virginia Community College System, Northern Virginia Community College and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) following the May 2010 murder of University of Virginia student Yeardley Love.
The Love Is Not Abuse college curriculum is available online, free at www.loveisnotabuse.com/web/guest/curriculum.
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Survey Methodology
Liz Claiborne Inc. commissioned Knowledge Networks to conduct quantitative research among students enrolled in four-year colleges (ages 18 – 29). The sample for this study came from the Knowledge Networks probability-based online panel, KnowledgePanel®. Online data collection took place between September 29 to December 27, 2010. A total of 508 college students (330 women and 178 men) were surveyed. The final sample was weighted using the Census Bureau school enrollment benchmarks for age, gender, race/ethnicity and geographic region based on the October 2009 Supplement of the Current Population Survey. It is statistically representative of all 18-29 year-old college students in the United States, with a margin of sampling error of ± 5.4 percentage points.
About Liz Claiborne Inc.
Since 1991 Liz Claiborne Inc. has been working to end domestic violence. Through its Love Is Not Abuse program, the company provides information and tools that men, women, teens and corporate executives can use to learn more about the issue and find out how they can help end this epidemic. Visit them at www.loveisnotabuse.com.
About loveisrespect.org
Loveisrespect.org is a collaboration between Break the Cycle and the National Dating Abuse Helpline. Combining resources and capacity, together they are reaching more people, building more healthy relationships and saving more lives. Loveisrespect.org is designed to:
- Create the ultimate resource fostering healthy dating attitudes and relationships.
- Provide a safe space for young people to access information and help in an environment that is designed specifically for them.
- Ensure confidentiality and trust so young people feel safe and supported—online and off.
Loveisrespect.org is the ultimate resource to engage, educate and empower youth and young adults to prevent and end abusive relationships.
About the National Dating Abuse Helpline
The National Dating Abuse Helpline is the direct service provider behind loveisrespect.org, operating the phone 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. They train these young leaders to offer support, information and advocacy to those involved in dating abuse relationships as well as concerned parents, teachers, clergy, law enforcement and service providers.
About Break the Cycle
Break the Cycle engages, educates and empowers youth to build lives and communities free from domestic and dating violence. Break the Cycle believes everybody has the right to safe and healthy relationships. Whether it’s teaching young people about the warning signs of abuse, safety planning or how to navigate the legal system, Break the Cycle gives teens and young adults the tools they need to live safer, healthier lives. Each year, Break the Cycle reaches more than one million youth nationwide. Visit them at www.breakthecycle.org.
PRESS CONTACT:
Amy C. Terpeluk
Tel.: (212) 583-2792
Cell: (917) 826-2326
terpeluka@ruderfinn.com
Tanya Young Williams Joins the National Domestic Violence Hotline as a Celebrity Spokesperson
Posted: Jul 7, 2011 | Comment
Domestic Violence Awareness Advocate and Television Personality Will Speak Out Against Domestic Violence
Austin, Texas – July 7, 2011 – The National Domestic Violence Hotline is pleased to have Tanya Young Williams, author, a legal consultant and inspirational speaker as a new celebrity spokesperson. In October 2010, Tanya launched her first domestic violence awareness tour at the Cross Roads Theatre in New Brunswick New Jersey. She will continue her domestic violence awareness tour titled “By Invitation Only…For All V.I.P.s” and share with her audiences the services and resources of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Williams is currently in production to star in an upcoming series and will use her high profile to help The Hotline raise national awareness about the 2.3 million people who have been helped by The Hotline. Tanya has chosen the Hotline as her primary charity to support through her business initiatives, speaking engagements and television appearances.
“Having been a victim of domestic violence, I am honored to help spread the message of the life-saving services the National Domestic Violence Hotline offers to people all over this country, “ said Tanya Young Williams. “The Hotline has helped millions of domestic violence victims find help and hope and go from being a victim to a survivor.”
Williams was thrust into the public spotlight when her estranged husband, former NBA All-Star, Jayson Williams, was tried for the fatal shooting of his limo driver in 2002. Her numerous television appearances brought the attention of the networks and as a result she is often called upon to speak about celebrity troubles, domestic violence, dealing with traumatic events and family matters. Nationally, Williams has appeared on 20/20 with Barbara Walters, Good Morning America, The Early Show, ESPN, The Mike Huckabee Show, Jane Velez-Mitchell, Court TV and TMZ. Tanya is a captivating public speaker and is often called to speak at a wide variety of events and workshops. Her advocacy of regaining your personal power extends to all audiences. The New Jersey Regional Council of the National Women’s History Museum also recently named Williams an Honorable Woman of New Jersey.
“The Hotline is honored to have an inspirational speaker such as Tanya Young Williams join the cause and help raise awareness about domestic violence,” said
Dyanne Purcell, CEO of The National Domestic Violence Hotline. “The Hotline is open 24-hours a day, every day, with assistance in 170 languages. 1-800-799-SAFE is a life-line for women, men, children and families in danger and offers victims the resources they need to live a life free from violence.”
Williams has also created a unique support initiative called TRY Women’s Inspirational Number (W.I.N.) W.I.N is a call-in number where callers will hear a powerful word of inspiration from Tanya Young Williams. The daily inspirational
message, ranging from 30 seconds to two minutes is available at (443) TRY-WIN0. After the inspirational message, callers are invited to blog and share their experiences at www.TanyaYoungWilliams.com.
The Hotline receives about 23,500 calls each month. Williams will help increase awareness that help is available, and this awareness offers opportunities to let more people know that domestic violence can and must be stopped.
About us:
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 and is supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The Hotline is a nonprofit organization providing 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.
http://www.thehotline.org/
Katie Ray-Jones Named President, Sheila Marlow Named New Chief Advancement Officer
Posted: Jul 6, 2011 | Comment
Austin, Texas – June 21, 2011 – The National Domestic Violence Hotline is pleased to announce Katie Ray-Jones has been selected to serve as President of the National Domestic Violence Hotline and National Dating Abuse Helpline. Katie has served a Director of Operations for the Hotline since 2009.
As a member of the National Task Force to Reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act and in her role as Hotline Director, Katie has made several visits to key congressional offices and is well known on Capitol Hill as a representative of the Hotline and Helpline. Katie has distinguished herself as a leader with prominent individuals in the national domestic violence movement and with national domestic violent groups and has represented the Hotline at several key national domestic/dating violence and gender-based violence meetings.
Katie also has extensive experience working with survivors of domestic violence. She has managed an emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing programs, nonresidential services for survivors and their children, 24-hour hotlines, services for individuals with HIV/AIDS, housing for families who are homeless, case management programs for children who have been abused and neglected, and a therapeutic preschool for children who have witnessed violence. She has also worked at a legal clinic that provided assistance to victims of domestic violence who were seeking restraining orders and other types of legal advocacy, provided individual therapy and facilitated groups for survivors and abusers and worked for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission administering funding to family violence providers throughout the state of Texas.
“Katie is truly a remarkable leader and we are thrilled she has taken the helm to lead this organization,” said Dyanne Purcell, CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. “Her knowledge and insight to the dynamics of domestic violence have impressed White House staff, U.S. Government officials and Hotline corporate partners.”
Katie has a bachelor’s degree in child and family development from San Diego State University and a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from the University of San Diego. Katie is married and has two wonderful children, George and Maximillian.
The Hotline is also excited to announce that Sheila Marlow has joined the National Council on Family Violence as the Chief Advancement Officer. Sheila will oversee the marketing, communications and development departments for the National Domestic Violence Hotline, National Dating Abuse Helpline and the Texas Council on Family Violence.
Sheila is originally from Dallas where she worked for accomplished agencies like The Dallas Opera, Texas Woman’s University, and most recently Big Brothers Big Sisters. She is a skilled professional who brings with her an extensive fund raising experience to the agency.
Ms. Marlow’s development experience has resulted in millions of dollars raised for organizations including: The Dallas Opera, The Science Place, The Dallas Arboretum, and Gilda’s Club North Texas. After completing a $55M capital campaign at Texas Woman’s University, she went on to serve as Vice President of Community Relations for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Sheila’s many volunteer commitments have included: serving on the Board for the Promising Youth Alliance, the Greater Dallas Chapter of AFP: 2007 DFW AFP Conference, Dallas host co-chairman for 2007 AFP International Conference, Committee member National Philanthropy Day Luncheon, and External Affairs Committee for the International Association of Fundraising.
“The National Council on Family Violence is pleased to have Sheila join our amazing team. She has a proven track record of success and in these tight budget times and an ever increasing demand for our services, it is critical we have a talented professional who can help the Hotline and Helpline raise valuable private sector dollars,” said Dyanne Purcell, CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
The Hotline is open 24-hours a day, every day, with assistance in 170 languages. The Hotline receives about 23,500 calls each month and has answered over 2.3 million calls during 15 years of service to victims of domestic violence.
Contact: Angela Hale
512.289-2995
The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides service to Guam
Posted: Mar 4, 2011 | Comment
Local leaders and community based service providers join the Executive Director of the Guam Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Family Violence and the CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline to celebrate that citizens of Guam can now call a national hotline to seek help if they are in an abusive relationship.
Survivors of domestic violence can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline) at 1-800-799-SAFE if they need assistance.
“It takes a lot of courage and bravery to come forward and make a call for help. The Hotline will be there anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” said Cynthia Cabot, Executive Director, Guam Coalition Against Sexual Assault & Family Violence. “I am honored to work in partnership with the National Domestic Violence Hotline. With budget cuts across all areas of government, this is one more resource Guam can access to maximize our dollars by tapping national resources to meet the needs of the community.”
“The Hotline is a live voice on the line, a compassionate and caring voice – with people who want to help those who are in abusive relationships,” said Dyanne Purcell, CEO of The National Domestic Violence Hotline. “I am honored to work in partnership with the Guam coalition and offer another resource of help and hope to the citizens of Guam.”
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is the only hotline of its kind. It operates 24 hours a day 7 days a week in 170 languages connecting people in crisis to more than 4,000 sources of help in local communities across the US, Guam, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. The Hotline will be an additional resource to the local Victim Advocates Reaching Out (VARO) Hotline at 671-477-5552.
About us:
Guam Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Family Violence The Guam Coalition Against Sexual Assault & Family Violence, established in 2006, is comprised of non-profit organizations, government allies, community individuals and other Coalition partners who aim to stop sexual assault and family violence. The Guam Coalition focuses on community outreach, education, and training.
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 also answers a variety of other calls and is a resource for domestic violence advocates government officials, law enforcement agencies and the general public.
1 in 4 Callers to the National Domestic Violence Hotline Report Birth Control Sabotage and Pregnancy Coercion
Posted: Feb 15, 2011 | Comment
San Francisco, CA – What may be the first national survey to determine the extent of a form of abuse called “reproductive coercion” was released today by the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the Family Violence Prevention Fund. The survey found that 25% of callers to the National Domestic Violence Hotline reported that they had experienced this form of domestic and dating violence.
Reproductive coercion is defined as threats or acts of violence against a partner’s reproductive health or reproductive decision-making. It includes forced sex, a male partner pressuring a woman to become pregnant against her will and interference with the use of birth control. The women who reported this form of abuse said that their male partners either would not allow them to use birth control or sabotaged their birth control method (such as poking holes in condoms or flushing pills down the toilet). Some of the women said they had to hide their birth control.
“Birth control sabotage is a serious form of control that leads to unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections,“ said Family Violence Prevention Fund President Esta Soler. “While there is a cultural assumption that some women use pregnancy as a way to trap their partner in a relationship, this survey shows that men who are abusive will sabotage their partner’s birth control and pressure them to become pregnant as a way to trap or control their partner.” (In the words of one caller, “keep me in his life forever…”)
More than 3,000 callers participated in the survey by answering all or some of four questions between August 16 and September 26, 2010. Callers’ ages ranged from 13 to over 55, with nearly 40% age 25 to 35. More than half of the callers were Caucasian, and nearly one quarter were African-American, and 17% were Hispanic. Callers who were in immediate danger were not asked to participate in the study.
For those who did participate in the study, patterns included pressure to become pregnant early in the relationship or before the victim felt ready and, in some cases, pressure to become pregnant followed by pressure to have an abortion. These abuse patterns were apparent in callers’ comments, such as:
- “I better be pregnant, or I’m in trouble with him.”
- “He refuses to use a condom. I’ve bought them and he throws them out.”
- “He has tried to talk me into having a child. He told me he wanted to keep me from leaving him.”
- “He admitted to me and the psychologist that he intentionally got me pregnant to trap me.”
- “My sister was 14 years old when she became involved with this abusive guy, and when she was 15 his mother wanted grandkids so he coerced her into getting pregnant.”
“Survivors of domestic violence don’t always recognize reproductive coercion as part of the power and control their partner is exerting over them in their relationship,” said National Domestic Violence Hotline Operations Manager Mikisha Hooper. “This form of abuse can be shrouded in secrecy and may be uncomfortable for people to talk about it. By asking the right questions, we help victims identify and understand the abuse – and provide the support and resources they need.”
The survey questions and response rates were as follows:
- Has your partner or ex-partner ever told you not to use any birth control (like the pill, shot, ring, etc.)? – Of the 3169 callers who responded, 25% said yes.
- Has your partner or ex-partner ever tried to force or pressure you to become pregnant? – Of the 3166 callers who answered this question, 25% said yes.
- Has your partner or ex-partner ever taken off the condom during sex so that you would become pregnant? – Of the 3103 callers who responded, 16% said yes.
- Has your partner or ex-partner ever made you have sex without a condom so that you would become pregnant? – Of the 3130 callers who responded, 24% said yes.
According to the Family Violence Prevention Fund, the rate of reproductive coercion is probably even higher than these findings showed because some callers who experienced this form of control were not included in the survey because they needed to be referred to help immediately.
The negative health consequences to reproductive coercion are clear: according to a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 40% of abused women reported that their pregnancy was unintended compared to 8% of non-abused women. Additionally, female victims of violence are three times more likely than non-victims to experience sexually transmitted infections, according to a study in the Archives of Family Medicine.
As a result of this study, the National Domestic Violence Hotline started to train its advocates on how to identify and support callers who experience reproductive coercion. “It is validating for women who are experiencing this form of abuse to know that they are not alone and that there is help available. You can really hear the change in their voice when they realize someone understands what they’ve been through.” said Hooper.
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The National Domestic Violence Hotline was established by Congress in 1996. The Hotline is a nonprofit organization that provides crisis intervention, information and referral to victims of domestic violence, perpetrators, friends and families. The Hotline serves as the only national domestic violence hotline. Advocates receive approximately 23,500 calls each month. The Hotline is toll-free, confidential and anonymous. It operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 1-800-799-SAFE. The Hotline is supported by funding from the US Department of Health and Human Services.
The Family Violence Prevention Fund works to end violence against women and children around the world, because every person has the right to live free of violence. More information is available at www.endabuse.org. The FVPF’s kNOwMore initiative, which examines the consequences of reproductive coercion and violence, is online at www.KnowMoreSayMore.org
CONTACT: Susan Lamontagne, 631 899-3825 or susan@publicinterestmedia.com
New Partnership Launches Ultimate Healthy Relationship Resource
Posted: Feb 8, 2011 | Comment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Break the Cycle and the National Dating Abuse Helpline, the Two Most Respected Dating Violence Advocates, Join Forces to Create the Most Powerful Online Healthy-Dating Resource for Teens and Young Adults in the United States, loveisrespect.org
Austin, TX (Feb. 8, 2011) - Break the Cycle and the National Dating Abuse Helpline, a project of the National Council on Family Violence, are joining forces to create the most comprehensive online destination to engage, educate and empower teens and young adults to prevent and end abusive relationships–loveisrespect.org.
Break the Cycle is the nation’s leading organization addressing dating abuse with more than 15 years of providing training, education, online resources, advocacy and activism. The National Dating Abuse Helpline provides the only peer-to-peer online chat in the country where trained advocates give advice to other teens and young adults.
Teen dating violence is an urgent, silent epidemic. One in three teens will experience abuse in a dating relationship and more than two-thirds of them will never report it to anyone.
“Break the Cycle’s extensive experience serving teens and young adults, in collaboration with the National Dating Abuse Helpline’s one of a kind chat service offers a new nationwide response to dating violence,” said Marjorie Gilberg, Executive Director of Break the Cycle. “This revolutionary partnership will establish loveisrespect.org as the ultimate online source of help and information for teens and young adults.”
“We are thrilled to launch this innovative partnership and project,” said Dyanne Purcell, CEO of the National Dating Abuse Helpline and the National Domestic Violence Hotline. “Partnering with Break the Cycle will broaden and enhance services and resources available for the thousands of teens and young adults who contact us at loveisrepect.org.”
A National Advisory Board composed of a diverse group of youth and culturally specific service providers will enhance the partnership by providing feedback on how to best serve teens and young adults.
Loveisrespect.org will help teens and young adults, ages 12-24 navigate the spectrum of healthy relationship behaviors. Young people will learn there are options, answers and support available to them every hour of every day. Break the Cycle and the National Dating Abuse Helpline are designing the site specifically for young people, emphasizing confidentiality and trust to ensure teens nationwide feel safe and supported – online and off.
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About National Dating Abuse Helpline
The National Council on Family Violence launched the National Dating Abuse Helpline in 2007 with funding from Liz Claiborne, Inc. and serves as an innovative source of support and resources for teens and young adults involved in abusive dating relationships, their peers, parents, teachers and friends. The Helpline offers services to young people across the country who are experiencing dating abuse and are seeking to engage in healthy relationships by utilizing the technologies they use most often: web, chat and telephone. Young men and women can anonymously contact trained peer-to-peer advocates by telephone, 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-866-331-9474 or online via live chat at www.loveisrespect.org.
About Break the Cycle
Break the Cycle believes everyone has the right to safe and healthy relationships. As the leading voice for teens on the issue of dating violence, Break the Cycle advocates for policy and legislative changes that will better protect the rights and promote the health of teens nationwide. Engaging, educating and empowering youth through prevention and intervention programs, Break the Cycle helps young people identify and build healthy relationships. For more information, please visit www.breakthecycle.org or call 310-286-3383.
Contact: Susan Risdon at 214-226-6741 or susan@redmediagroup.com
The Super Bowl Brings Superstars to Texas –NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell joins the National Domestic Violence Hotline 15th Anniversary Celebrity Team; Hotline Honorary Committee Member Christina Aguilera Will Sing the National Anthem
Posted: Jan 27, 2011 | Comment
For Immediate Release
Dallas Cowboys Pro Bowl Tight End Jason Witten; Baseball Great Joe Torre also Join the Hotline Team in a Year-Long Campaign to Raise Awareness about Domestic Violence Commemorating the 15th Anniversary of The Hotline
Austin, Texas – January 27, 2011 – The Super Bowl is coming to Texas and bringing the biggest stars from across the country for the biggest sporting event of the year. The National Domestic Violence Hotline, based in Austin, Texas, is pleased the leader of the NFL, Commissioner Roger Goodell, is joining the National Domestic Violence Hotline to help bring awareness to domestic violence and to celebrate the 15th Anniversary. The Commissioner joins Dallas Cowboys superstar Jason Witten, baseball great Joe Torre and a Fabulous Array of Stars who are kicking off a year-long campaign for the National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline) to help end domestic violence. Click here to see the celebrities teaming up with The Hotline:
The Hotline is also pleased that one of the most accomplished performers of the last decade, honorary committee member Christina Aguilera will sing the National Anthem at the big event. She has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, achieved four #1 singles on the Billboard hot 100 chart, and has won five Grammy Awards, as well as three top five albums in the United States.
Roger Goodell is the eighth chief executive in the NFL’s 90-year history. He was chosen by the NFL club owners to succeed Paul Tagliabue on August 8, 2006 and took office on September 1, 2006. He has addressed a wide range of issues, including player health and safety, the medical needs of retired players, personal conduct, revenue sharing, stadium construction, media innovation, and international development.
Pro Bowl Tight End, Dallas Cowboys Star Jason Witten witnessed family violence as a child. He started the SCORE Foundation, now in its fourth year, to work with families in crisis. “The National Domestic Violence Hotline has done so much for victims of abuse over the last 15 years. People forget how prevalent domestic violence is and how it affects society, families and children. I am pleased to do my part to break the cycle of violence in our families in the future,” said Witten.
Three years ago, the foundation launched the Jason Witten SCOREkeepers program, a unique initiative placing full-time, trained male mentors in battered women’s shelters throughout Texas. The mentors seek to demonstrate positive male behavior to the children living in these shelters in an effort to break the cycle of violence that plagues families affected by abuse. With the help of generous grants from the Allstate Foundation, Jason Witten’s SCORE Foundation has placed SCOREkeepers in six shelters across the Lone Star State. This year, the foundation launched a new domestic violence prevention program called “Coaching Boys Into Men” in high schools across Arlington, Texas. The program trains coaches to educate their players on the dangers of dating violence.
Joe Torre is Chairman of the Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation, which he and his wife, Ali, launched in 2002. Its mission is to develop educational programs that will end the cycle of domestic violence and save lives. In the eight years since its inception, the Foundation has educated thousands of students, parents, teachers and school faculty about the devastating effects of domestic violence.
Torre recently concluded his third and final season as Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, whom he led to the National League Championship Series in both 2008 and 2009. Previously, he spent twelve seasons as Manager of the New York Yankees, leading them to the playoffs every year, including six World Series appearances and four World Series Championships (1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000).
The celebrities will use their high profiles to help The Hotline with the 15th Anniversary promotions and will raise national awareness about the 2.3 million people who have been helped by The Hotline.
“The Hotline is honored to have such prominent leaders like Roger Goodell, Jason Witten and Joe Torre join the cause and help raise awareness about domestic violence,” said Dyanne Purcell, CEO of The National Domestic Violence Hotline. “The Hotline is open 24-hours a day, every day, with assistance in 170 languages. 1-800-799-SAFE is a life-line for women, men, children and families in danger and offers victims and those who care about them help and hope.”
The Hotline receives about 23,500 calls each month. The special 15th Anniversary Honorary Committee will increase awareness that help is available, and this awareness offers opportunities to let more people know that domestic violence can and must be stopped.
About us:
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 and is supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The Hotline is a nonprofit organization providing 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.
Contact: Angela Hale
512.289-2995
angela@redmediagroup.com