• NDVH News
• Press Releases
• Action Items
• Resource Center
• Hotlines Newsletter
• Survivors and the Media
• Dept. of Defense Public Awareness
• Linking Policy

Safety Alert

Computer use can be monitored and is impossible to completely clear. If you are afraid your internet and/or computer usage might be monitored, please use a safer computer, call your local hotline, and/or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

Vital Link Awards

The National Domestic Violence Hotline held its annual Vital Link Awards ceremony on November 14 in New York City at the W Hotel. The event was a huge success and could not have been achieved without the support of all our sponsors: FedEx, Verizon, CTIA The Wireless Foundation, Altria Group Inc., Avon Foundation, Jacquelyn Pierce – General Federation of Women’s Clubs International President, REDBOOK, Ruder Finn, Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP, Gap Inc., Kaiser Permanente, Liz Claiborne Inc., Shell, Ed Condon, Crisis Prevention Institute Inc., GFWC Federation Guild Association, GFWC New York, Lifetime Networks, New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC and Security Management Group International, Inc.

The Vital Link Awards celebrate the achievements of 2007 in raising awareness about domestic violence. Our honorees and presenters have distinguished themselves in publicly supporting domestic violence services and prevention. Those honored this year include Liz Claiborne, Inc., REDBOOK and Robin Givens. Tim Gunn, Chief Creative Officer for Liz Claiborne, Inc. served as the evening’s emcee.

The Vital Link Award this year went to Liz Claiborne Inc. in recognition of its leadership, historical support, and its founding partnership for loveisrespect.org, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline, which provides teens with access to resources and information 24 hours a day. Liz Claiborne, Inc. has been involved in domestic violence awareness since 1991 and has supported prevention, victim services and workplace awareness through partnerships with domestic violence agencies, consumer education, and workplace education.

“Love Is Not Abuse” is much more than a phrase made famous by Liz Claiborne Inc. It is a multi-faceted program (www.loveisnotabuse.com) that, since 1991, has targeted everyday Americans who, with the right tools and information, can help prevent abusive relationships.

 

In 2005, the company began a sustained effort to focus on teen dating violence and abuse by providing information, educational resources and support to teens. The hallmarks of this effort include the creation of a curriculum on teen dating abuse which is being used in middle and high schools across America and the conception and funding of loveisrespect.org, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline, which is operated by the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

Over the past 16 years, Liz Claiborne Inc. has been leading efforts to end domestic violence as one of the first major corporations in the U.S. to take a stand on this issue. As pervasive as the issue is, abuse remains one of the most underserved and under funded causes in this country.

Sheryl Cates presented the award to William L. McComb, CEO of Liz Claiborne, Inc. and Jane Randel, Vice President, Corporate Communications. Mr. McComb accepted the award on behalf of the company and we appreciate Liz Claiborne, Inc. for setting this remarkable example of corporate social responsibility.

The Media for Change Award this year went to REDBOOK. Under the leadership of Editor-in-Chief Stacy Morrison, REDBOOK has distinguished itself in providing responsible, compelling coverage of domestic violence in a way that educates and empowers people to seek solutions to domestic violence.

“You Can Save A Woman’s Life Just By Asking Her How She’s Doing,” was the title of REDBOOK’s (October) 2006 feature that earned a National Magazine Award nomination for Personal Service. The article not only helped readers understand the dynamics and prevalence of domestic violence, it empowered and encouraged them to become involved in assisting friends, family and co-workers in violent relationships. The article appeared under the editorial leadership of Stacy Morrison, who has been editor-in-chief of REDBOOK since July 2004. Her personal platform has been domestic violence prevention for six years, and she has published annual awareness features in partnership with Liz Claiborne Inc. and Talk Radio.

Maury Lane, Corporate Communications Strategist for FedEx, presented the award to Stacy Morrison who accepted on behalf of REDBOOK. We appreciate Stacy Morrison’s personal commitment to making domestic violence prevention a priority for America and REDBOOK’s responsible reporting that encourages its readers to get involved in solutions to end domestic violence.

The Voices for Change Award this year was presented to actress/author Robin Givens who made the courageous decision to tell her own personal story in her new book, Grace Will Lead Me Home.” Robin recounts her volatile marriage to Mike Tyson and also the legacy of life-threatening domestic violence that has haunted her family for three generations and how she has managed to survive, and, ultimately, thrive. Robin’s example is an inspiration for millions of survivors in America.

Robin Givens speaks so eloquently and authentically from the perspective of a survivor that she makes us understand how it could happen to us—to me, you, or someone else whom we love and respect very much. From early on, Robin Givens was groomed to achieve. As an honor student at Sarah Lawrence, she debuted on the Cosby Show and went on to television and film success. She was a golden girl. And then she encountered the man who swept her off her feet and then became her greatest challenge and heartbreak. In Grace Will Lead Me Home, Robin speaks with courage and candor, creating a chilling picture of a smart young woman and her stubborn desire to love this man enough to save them both. Robin Givens delves into the rich history of her sprawling Southern family to explore the sustenance offered by a strong faith in God and celebrate the indomitable spirit of its women and matriarchs. Rummaging through their memories and searching through the past, she uncovers the secret legacy of domestic violence that haunted her own life and her family. It is a rare insight into the cycle of violence that can stalk generations.

Rose Kirk, Executive Vice President of Verizon, presented Robin Givens with the award and we thank Robin for sharing her story of survival and raising awareness about domestic violence and empowering survivors. Robin’s story will help millions of others find the courage and strength to prevail over abuse.

 

Million Voices Campaign to End Domestic Violence in America

The Hotline recently joined with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs and Lifetime Television in unveiling its first major volunteer initiative, the Million Voices Campaign to End Domestic Violence in America. The Million Voices campaign will demonstrate that individuals and organizations across the country are united in efforts to end domestic violence and our goal is to have 1 million voices enrolled by October, 2008.

The Million Voices Campaign provides opportunities for members to educate, inform and raise awareness about domestic violence prevention and services in their communities. Free educational materials and various resources will be provided on the campaign website to help volunteers spread the word. Membership is free, but anyone who wishes to donate to the campaign can do so online.

Membership in the campaign requires that every member:

• Agree that domestic violence must end in America.
• Speak out against domestic violence.
• Tell friends, family and co-workers about the National Domestic Violence Hotline as a source
  for help.

All members receive e-mail news updates and invitations to major campaign events. A major goal of the campaign is to create a sense of community online, where members can share volunteer ideas, strategies to engage local communities and their own personal experiences with domestic violence. NDVH urges individuals and organizations to join this unparalleled effort.

Join today, by visiting our website at www.ndvh.org/million to sign up online.

 

Target Advocate Response Center

The Hotline, headquartered in Austin TX , has undergone a complete renovation and expansion as a result of a major gift from the Target Corporation. The Target Advocate Response Center was completed in August and representatives from Target and vendors who contributed to the renovation joined members of the Hotline team at a celebration/grand re-opening on November 27 where they were recognized for their significant role in the renovation of the Hotline facilities.

As a result of a major capital gift from Target, the Hotline call center has been transformed into an expanded, updated and beautiful environment for Advocates answering calls 24 hours a day. Some of the vendors represented at the celebration included Sun Builders Co., Décor Craft, Luzer Electric, A&S Flooring, Target Building Services, Target Construction, Target Commercial Interiors and Target Community Relations.

“We are extremely fortunate to be a part of such a superb project. The renovation of the Hotline facility will clearly improve the ability of advocates to provide professional assistance to victims of domestic abuse”, stated Laysha Ward, Vice President of Community Relations for Target Corporation. Ms. Ward added that, “Target’s gift has enabled the Hotline to create more space for advocates and reflects the current positive ergonomic conditions in lighting and functionality.” Rose Pulliam, President of NDVH responded by saying, “The Hotline is indebted to Target Corporation and other important benefactors for their financial contributions. Their generosity will enable our staff to improve the quality of service, support the work of Hotline advocates and help families in crisis.” Joining Pulliam in her expression of thanks was Sheryl Cates, Chief Executive Officer of the Hotline and Texas Council on Family Violence, who said, “Our collaborative relationship with Target Corporation goes back ten years. They have been a strong supporter of our efforts in ending domestic violence and their contribution will strengthen our ability to serve individuals who are suffering.” Cates went on to say that, “Improvements at the Hotline will ensure that domestic abuse victims have access to vital links to safety in Texas and across the nation.”

The recently completed Hotline renovation follows the Connections Campaign, a $3 million technology campaign started by Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and completed in 2005, which expanded and improved the capacity to provide better services to more callers with state of the art technology integrating telecommunications, database and desktop.