Saying No More to Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault during the Super Bowl

January 30, 2015

If you haven’t seen it already, No More’s Super Bowl ad (above) is poignant, powerful, and thoughtfully demonstrates how important it is for us to listen when survivors reach out. The ad will run sometime during the first quarter and is sure to grab everyone’s attention. This Sunday, as families and friends gather to watch the commercials or the game, we have the opportunity to kick-start conversations about ending domestic violence and sexual assault.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to show your support for victims of violence. Here are some tips to help you prepare for a conversation on Sunday:

• Know the facts. What is domestic violence? Who is affected? These questions are a great place to start. NNEDV’s annual census provides a snapshot of the domestic violence services requested on a single day.
• Never blame the victim. Abuse is never the victim’s fault. Period.
• Know how to get help. These are a few of the resources available to help those experiencing abuse:
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
  • Teen Dating Violence Hotline, 1-866-331-9474 or text “loveis” to 22522
  • Find your state’s or territory’s domestic violence coalition
  • Find legal information and support at WomensLaw.org and through the Email Hotline
• Listen & respond with validation and support. If someone you know tells you they are being abused, listen. Avoid making judgments and giving advice. Believe them and tell them that you want to help. Take their fears seriously and let them know you care about their safety and well-being.

This ad is both a powerful example of the courage and resilience of survivors and a call to action: we have a responsibility not only to take a stand against violence and abuse, but to support survivors and hold abusers accountable.