Here are some tips from the No More Team …..
It’s only been a couple days since we shared the exciting news that a new NO MORE PSA is running during the Super Bowl this Sunday, (go HERE to check it out) and there’s already been a huge positive response. “How can I help?” This is probably the question YOU’RE going to get while you’re watching the game on Sunday, so we thought we’d send along a few quick tips to help you speak up about these issues and provide you with ways you can help loved ones affected by domestic violence or sexual assault.
Tip #1. Start a conversation by telling your friends that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 7 men have experienced domestic violence, and 1 in 5 women and 1 in 16 men have experienced sexual assault at some point in their lifetime. This is a great way to get the point across that these issues are serious and that many people we love have been affected by domestic and sexual violence. (If your friends want to read more about these statistics, you can point them here: Avon’s 2013 NO MORE Study.)
Tip #2. Speak up when you hear offensive comments that degrade women, men, or victims of abuse. Hey, it’s a Super Bowl party — there’s a good chance that someone is going to make some inappropriate remarks. The best thing you can do is speak up and tell them that you’re not comfortable with that kind of talk. Simply doing that can help your friends understand that it’s not cool for them or anyone to degrade a person.
Tip #3. If someone you know discloses that they are experiencing abuse now or have in the past, remember this could be the first time they’re telling someone. Reassure them that you believe them and that the abuse was not their fault. The most important thing you can do in this moment is listen and support them. Most of all, make sure to be patient, non-judgmental, and respectful of their decisions. Ask them if they’d like to talk to a professional counselor, and offer to sit with them while they call a national or local hotline.
Tip #4. Make sure that your friends know whom to call to get help.
For immediate help, call 911
National Domestic Violence Hotline:
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
National Domestic Violence Hotline:
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
National Sexual Assault Hotline:
1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
Teen Dating Violence Hotline:
1-866-331-9474 or text “loveis” to 22522
1-866-331-9474 or text “loveis” to 22522
The Super Bowl is a time for us all to get together and have a good time. And, when our ad is on the air, your friends and family are going to have questions about it. Make sure you’re ready to speak up so everyone you care about knows how important these issues are to you and your community. We can’t thank you enough for saying #NOMORE to domestic violence and sexual assault by helping spread the word on Sunday.
Talk to you soon,
The NO MORE Team
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