How was everyone's weekend? A little chilly perhaps? The leaves are really beginning to fall, football is in full swing, and fall decorations are starting to make their appearance in the windows and on the porches of houses in neighborhoods everywhere. Fall really is a fun time of the year - October ushers in the cooler temperatures and Halloween closes out the month; November brings about holiday planning and Thanksgiving; then we move into winter as December descends upon us with thoughts of Christmas and family.
As we begin to cherish the moments that make fall wonderful, we must also remember those who are struggling to simply live their lives peacefully from day to day. All around you, in your neighborhood, at your church, where your kids go to school, are men and women who are daily victims of domestic violence and whose children are innocent bystanders who observe more violence than TV has to offer. These men, women, and children are people you know, people you care about, and often silent victims.
Today, I would like to introduce to you a groundbreaking movement that utilizes a symbol to spread the word about domestic violence and sexual assault. The symbol, you may have noticed, is located at the top of this blog post. The "No More" project began as a way to unify support across the nation to end domestic violence. This symbol and the call to action that stands behind it is not meant to replace the purple ribbon that is most often associated with Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but is meant to move awareness into the public realm, raise visibility, break the silence, challenge the current stigma, and unify the movement towards ending this atrocity.
Interestingly enough the "No More" symbol holds no copyright and therefore leaves permission open for individuals and organizations anywhere to utilize the symbol along with their own logo. This symbol can be attached to a website, a blog, a social media account, and any other pamphlet, fact sheet, or flyer that individuals, non-profits, or companies want to use. The whole idea is to spread awareness and unite the movement to end domestic violence.
The "No More" Project has so many intricate and unique details that make it easy to use and help to bring awareness to this important issue. A toolkit is available on their website in order to begin implementation of the symbol at your own company or non-profit. Facts and stories of survivors are featured, further motivating individuals to become involved. Many celebrities have become involved and are the backbone for the campaign including, Law & Order SVU star, Mariska Hargitay. The project is unique but it is one of the strongest calls to action that has been issued.
Visit the "No More" Project website at: http://www.nomore.org/ and help to break the silence for those who are victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
While the topic of domestic violence may seem depressing for a blog that is meant to inform and encourage parents, remember that children are affected by domestic violence each and everyday. Your child may be in school with another child who witnesses the beating of his mother by his father everyday. Or your child's regular Wednesday play-date may be the onlooker of a mother who verbally abuses his/her father on a regular basis. If parents are informed, children can be sheltered from the horrors of domestic violence. Know the signs, learn the facts, and keep an eye on the children whom you and your children have interactions with everyday. If you suspect child abuse or domestic violence is occurring in a home, report it - do not stand silent.
For all you parents out there, have a great week and continue to explore fun, fall plans with your children. With Halloween right around the corner, its time to get a jump start on those costumes. Stay tuned for fun costume ideas and safe trick-r-treating tips as the month continues. Enjoy your kids and remember "No More." Stand for a cause, be a voice.
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