Domestic abuse and sexual assault are unfortunate occurrences that happen daily. Although both are quite prevalent and affect people from all demographics, advocates against domestic abuse and sexual assault believe they aren’t a priority in this country.
There are many organizations working tirelessly to end domestic abuse, however the “No More” campaign was created to “unleash new, major attention” to people who are affected – whether directly or indirectly – by domestic violence and sexual assault.
Organizers say this national campaign is also the first unifying symbol to express support for ending domestic violence and sexual assault. It can be used by anyone advocating against such brutalities.
“‘No More’ shines a spotlight on these issues. Like the peace sign, the “support our troops” ribbon or the AIDS ribbon, our goal is to use the ‘No More’ symbol to help unify all people and organizations that want to end domestic violence and sexual assault,” said the “No More” campaign started by 50 individuals from various backgrounds. Corporations, including Verizon and Liz Claiborne, and major domestic violence and sexual assault organizations across the U.S., such as the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women, stand with and support the “No More” campaign.
‘Indiana Says No More’
Laura Berry, executive director of the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) said that Hoosier domestic abuse and sexual assault organizations believed they had made significant strides among awareness, however they decided to join the “No More” campaign to be a part of this nationally unifying initiative.
“It created an overarching symbol. It’s not meant to replace organizations, but to support the programs we already have,” said Berry.
Spearheaded by the Domestic Violence Network, the ICADV, The Julian Center, Families First, Coburn Place, Alternatives Inc. of Madison County, Start Strong Indy, Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention and the Indiana Department of Child Services among others decided to band together and launch a more localized campaign that mirrors the national campaign called “Indiana Says No More.”
Although October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, “Indiana Says No More” was rolled out last month via a TV and radio public service announcement offering information and asking the public to take a pledge to help end domestic abuse. People can see recognizable public figures, such as Congressman André Carson, D-Ind., and regular people saying “No More” to domestic abuse.
Berry said over the next few months “Indiana Says No More” will go beyond Central Indiana and include all abuse and sexual assault programs across the state.
A look into domestic abuse
Domestic abuse knows no race, age, socioeconomic status or even gender. It is defined as a pattern of behavior that is used to control another individual. It can be physical, emotional, financial or sexual. Sexual assault is defined as any unwanted sexual contact by an intimate partnership or by a stranger.
If someone believes they’re a victim of domestic abuse they probably are. Those in immediate danger should call 911. Those needing resources to leave the home should call 211.
“People are hurt every single day in our community by domestic abuse. The victims, the children, even the abusers lead lives filled with fear, doubt and pain. Connect2Help 2-1-1 says ‘No More’ by helping people in these horrible situations find help, housing, health care, safety, and a new life free of abuse,” said Lynn Engel, president and CEO of Connect2Help 2-1-1.
Knowing the right time to leave is up to the discretion of the victim. Leaving a domestic situation can be dangerous and advocates suggest a victim should do their best to create an exit plan such as creating a secret bank account or collecting documents.
Raio Krishnayya, executive director of the Center for Victim and Human Rights, said it’s common for people not to take action, particularly in the criminal justice process because there are compounding issues.
“For example they need help filing a protective order. They can initially file without an attorney, but to enforce the order, they need legal assistance. If they don’t have access to things like that, then they won’t be empowered to achieve safety,” said Krishnayya.
He said another barrier is housing. Oftentimes abusers will purposefully omit the victim’s name from the lease or mortgage. If housing is lost, the victim will be homeless.
Victims should know that if a “thought out” plan is unable to be created, there are multiple resources available that will keep victims and their children alive and safe should they ever need to run away.
Well-known entities, such as the Julian Center, help victims, but there are countless organizations such as the Center for Victim and Human Rights, which provides legal help to victims, that are available to provide aid.
If someone believes a friend, loved one or co-worker is being abused, do not physically intervene. Remind them that abuse shouldn’t be tolerated and assure them you support them. Bystanders can also help gather names, numbers and other resources to help the victim find safety.
Domestic abuse incidents in Indiana are consistent with other states across the U.S., however in the last few years responses to residential and housing services and crisis intervention has increased in Indiana. Unfortunately, Indiana is in the top five states with high rates of teen dating abuse. To reduce these numbers, prevention efforts have been made.
For example, the Peace Learning Center teaches youth alternatives to violence and empowers them to pay this knowledge forward to their peers.
“We work with whole schools and have summer camps and after school programs too,” said Tim Nation, executive director and co-founder of Peace Learning Center. “A lot of the work that needs to be done is on prevention. If they go down the wrong path, they’re going to be the future abusers.”
Be the change you wish to see
The “No More” campaign’s goal is to end the stigma, shame and silence of domestic violence and sexual assault. It also aims to help increase funding for local agencies. Most importantly, campaign leaders hope “No More” will help to change behaviors that lead to domestic violence.
To get involved with the campaign people can begin by visiting Nomore.org or Indianasaysnomore.com and pledging your support for ending domestic abuse and sexual assault.
Supporters can also upload their photo to the “We Say No More” photo gallery accompanied by the “No More” symbol.
People can also volunteer their time and/or money to local domestic violence organizations.
“People can continue to send out the message that this isn’t OK. We don’t want our children to grow up with (domestic abuse). No More,” said Berry of the ICADV.
For more information on “No More,” call the ICADV at (317) 917-3685 or the Domestic Violence Network at (317) 872-1086 visit Nomore.org or Indianasaysnomore.com. For direct domestic violence abuse help, call the 24-hour statewide hotline at 800-332-7385.
Why should you care?
– Every year more than 12 million people (approximately the population of New York City and Los Angeles combined) are abused, raped or stalked by their partners.
– 1 in 4 women experience violence from their partners in their lifetimes.
– 1 in 3 teens experience sexual or physical abuse or threats from a boyfriend or girlfriend in one year.
– 1 in 6 women are survivors of sexual assault.
– 1 in 5 men have experienced some form of sexual victimization in their lives.
– 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men were sexually abused before the age of 18.
Playwright, Shirley Murdock team up for Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Local playwright Robin Dalton has penned the play, “I Love Me Better Than That” to address the issue of domestic violence.
The production is loosely based on Dalton’s tumultuous, five-year relationship and takes the audience on a journey with main characters, Joy (played by Alicia Collins) and Ricky (played by Scisney).
The remaining cast is made up of fresh, local talent, including national recording artist Shirley Murdock.
Known for her chart-topping hits in the ‘80s, Murdock has spent the latter half of her career acting and singing gospel music. The title of this play is borrowed from Murdock’s 2007 gospel hit song “I Love Me Better Than That.”
Murdock wrote the song to empower women to take back their lives after experiencing hardships and disappointments.
See “I Love Me Better Than That” Oct. 19 and 20 at Crispus Attucks Auditorium, 1140 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. They can be purchased by calling (317) 748-1465 or online at Eventbrite.com.
