NO MORE "Warnings"

After I read the 137 page manifesto on Saturday night (May 24), I had the most horrible and most realistic nightmare I've ever had. I couldn't stop shaking. I was so thankful when I finally realized that what I had was just a dream. But it isn't just a dream for victims, their families, and those who love them. It was real.

 Absolutely #NOMORE. No more "warnings," no more excuses, no more by standing, no more silence, no more violence. No more.

 

 

 

NO MORE Week: March 17 - 21, 2014

Join us for NO MORE Week - March 17 - 21, 2014 as we celebrate the one year anniversary of the launch of NO MORE! 

It's almost been one year since the launch of NO MORE! It's time to celebrate our one year anniversary, March 17th-21st, and more importantly, all of our supporters, partners, and allies who have come together to end domestic violence and sexual assault. 

Here are some ways you can take part:  http://goo.gl/m1k8oP - we'd love to hear from you how you are saying NO MORE during NO MORE week!

WHY?

WHY?

In the midst of this picture of hope, already people are asking the question of the survivors of the horrors of Cleveland that they ask of victims/survivors of domestic violence:

"Why didn't they just leave?"

I cannot and will not speak for them.  I am not them and have not been through what they have been through. Instead: I say NO MORE.

And here is what  I ask of you: I  ask you to KNOW MORE, say NO MORE, share NO MORE, and ensure NO MORE. Visit www.nomore.org to learn MORE.

WELCOME TO "NO MORE"

On "NO MORE Day" new national survey reinforces urgent need for increased awareness and education on

domestic violence and sexual assault prevention

 

 

March 13, 2013 –  Today, major domestic violence and sexual assault prevention organizations across the U.S. have joined forces with corporate leaders, branding experts, celebrities, athletes and advocates nationwide to launch the first unifying branding symbol (like the pink breast cancer ribbon and the red AIDS ribbon) for domestic violence (DV) and sexual assault (SA), called NO MORE.

 

NO MORE is designed to unify everyone working to combat these issues in an unprecedented way – whether their focus is women and girls, men and boys, teenagers, children, minorities, rural or urban communities  as well as corporate leaders from a variety of business sectors - behind one, powerful brand created to transform awareness and action.

 

NO MORE has been in the making since 2009 and was developed because despite the significant progress that has been made in raising awareness around these issues, they remain hidden and on the margins of public concern.

 

The Public Launch of NO MORE – “NO MORE Day”

 

To introduce NO MORE to the general public, a wide range of supporters including Actor and Advocate Mariska Hargitay, the President and Founder of the Joyful Heart Foundation, and Ashley Greene, actress and Avon’s mark Brand Ambassador, are in Washington DC, on March 13, 2013, NO MORE Day to demonstrate their support for this unprecedented initiative.

 

Mariska Hargitay, well known for her leading role as Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, will urge communities to say NO MORE to domestic violence and sexual assault during a Newsmaker event in the National Press Club’s Holeman Lounge at 12:30 pm. She will also address the backlog of rape evidence collection kits (rape kits) nationwide, which is allowing rapists to get away with their crimes.

 

Ashley Greene, another advocate for NO MORE, will announce new data from the “NO MORE Study: Teens and Young Adults,” funded by mPowerment by mark operated by the Avon Foundation for Women on the grim reality of dating violence and sexual assault for 15 – 22-year-olds in this country.

 

Conducted by GfK Public Affairs & Corporate Communications, the survey shows an urgent need for increased awareness and education around dating violence and sexual assault, with an emphasis on the simple things the public can do to prevent violence and help victims before it is too late.

 

According to the study, more than half of young people (15-22 year olds) know a victim of dating violence or sexual assault, but say it would be hard for them to intervene or help a victim. Forty percent said they would not know what to do if they witnessed these crimes. Many report that they want to help, but they are uncertain how to recognize dating violence and sexual assault and do not know how to safely get help for victims.

 

Key findings of the NO MORE study include:

 

• 51% of all 15-22-year-olds in the United States know a victim of dating violence or sexual assault.
• 53% say it would be hard for them to help a victim of dating violence or sexual assault.
• 40% say that they would not know what to do if they witnessed a sexual assault or dating violence.
• 1 in 3 young women and nearly 1 in 2 young men say they do not know the signs of sexual assault.
• 62% agree that talking about dating abuse and sexual assault would make it easier for them to step in and help someone.

 Other NO MORE day events include exclusive screenings of the Academy Award Nominated documentary, The Invisible War, in various cities, “NO MORE Night” at the Washington Wizards vs Milwaukee Bucks NBA game and a NO MORE Day Twitter Chat (using hashtag #NOMOREday March 13, at 3 p.m. EST) where any and every supporter of NO MORE can lend their voice powerfully to help end domestic and sexual violence.

 

Volunteers and financial support from organizations and individuals who care deeply about ending domestic violence and sexual assault, including the Allstate Foundation, the AVON Foundation for Women, Fifth & Pacific Foundation, Finn Partners, the Joyful Heart Foundation and the Verizon Foundation helped make the NO MORE symbol a reality. In addition, representatives from nearly every major domestic violence and sexual assault prevention organization in the country have supported the vision for NO MORE’s potential to revolutionize how these issues are seen by the public. 

 

The following organizations support NO MORE: 

·            A CALL TO MEN

·            Break the Cycle

·            California Coalition Against Sexual Assault

·            Casa de Esperanza

·            Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence

·            Futures Without Violence

·            Joyful Heart Foundation

·            Men Can Stop Rape

·            National Alliance to End Sexual Violence

·            National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

·            National Domestic Violence Hotline

·            National Network to End Domestic Violence

·            National Resource Center on Domestic Violence

·            National Sexual Violence Resource Center

·            Resources Sharing Project

·            Safe Horizon

·            Sisters of Color Ending Sexual Assault

·            U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women

 

The official sponsors of NO MORE Day are the Allstate Foundation, the Avon Foundation for Women, Fifth and Pacific Foundation, the Joyful Heart Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, Patton Boggs LLP and the Verizon Foundation.

About NO MORE

NO MORE is a new, overarching symbol, like the pink breast cancer ribbon and the yellow support our troops ribbon, that is bringing together all people, organizations and communities that support ending domestic violence and sexual assault in our society. It has been in the making since 2009 and was developed because despite the significant progress that has been made in raising awareness around these issues, they remain hidden and on the margins of public concern. For more information on NO MORE, to get involved or to get the symbol, visit www.nomore.org and get updates on Twitter @NOMOREorg or Facebook www.facebook.com/NOMORE,org.

The history of NO MORE

The NO MORE symbol has been in the making since 2009. It was developed because despite the significant progress that has been made in the visibility of domestic violence and sexual assault, these problems affecting millions remain hidden and on the margins of public concern. Hundreds of representatives from the domestic violence and sexual assault prevention field came together and agreed that a new, overarching symbol, uniting all people working to end these problems, could have a dramatic impact on the public’s awareness.

The signature blue vanishing point originated from the concept of a zero - as in zero incidences of domestic violence and sexual assault. It was inspired by Christine Mau, a survivor of domestic violence and sexual abuse who is now the Director of European Designs at Kimberly-Clark. The symbol was designed by Sterling Brands, and focus group tested with diverse audiences across the country who agreed that the symbol was memorable, needed and important.

 

Join Us On NO MORE Day!

On March 13th we’ll celebrate the first official NO MORE Day and hope that you can be part of it!

What is NO MORE? NO MORE is a groundbreaking symbol (like the pink breast cancer ribbon and the red AIDS ribbon) designed to galvanize change and radically increase the awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault in our communities.

The day will kick-off with a launch event where students, survivors, advocates and community leaders will gather to activate this grassroots campaign. Later that day we’ll make an announcement on Capitol Hill and that evening NO MORE will get special recognition at a Washington Wizards’ home game.

While many events will be taking place in Washington, DC, you don't HAVE to be in Washington to join NO MORE Day - you can be anywhere!

Stay tuned for updates on how you can participate in local events, a twitter chat, and for other ways to support for NO MORE on NO MORE Day from wherever you are on Twitter (#NOMOREDay) and Facebook.

If you’d like more information about NO MORE Day to be sent to you directly, or are interested in attending the NO MORE Day festivities, please go to www.nomore.org, go to the contact page and drop a note with the subject line “NO MORE Day."  You'll be updated on the latest info!

What is our "Call to Action"?  It is very simple:

KNOW MORE. Learn the signs of domestic violence and listen without judgment to victims/survivors of sexual assault. Get the facts and know the resources available.

Say NO MORE. Break the silence. Speak out. Seek help when you see this problem or harassment of any kind in your family, your community, your workplace or school.

Share NO MORE.   Share the NO MORE symbol with everyone you know. Facebook it. Tweet it. Pin it. Instagram it.Email it. Wear it. Help to increase awareness about the extent of domestic violence and sexual assault.  Visit the NO MORE Shop at nomore.org.

Ensure NO MORE.  Get involved. Volunteer in your community, or donate to a local, state or national domestic violence or sexual assault organization.

More ideas for ACTION:

Use your Social Media voice via Facebook and Twitter to THUNDERCLAP IT and say NO MORE on #NOMOREDay 3/13/13:  https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/1533
 

Show your support by joining through Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/NOMORE.org#!/events/325690754209615/permalink/325690757542948/

Share the video PSA for NO MORE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQpuODcp6Iw

Participate in a Twitter Chat at 3 PM ET using the hashtag #NOMOREday.
 

You can also join the conversation and follow the day's events as they unfold by connecting with NO MORE on social media at www.fb.com/NOMOREorg and www.twitter.com/NOMOREorg.

 

We look forward to having you join us as we all say NO MORE to domestic violence and sexual assault on 3/13/13!

Domestic Violence and the Holidays…What Do You Say?

The holidays are upon us and we will be around family and friends that we may not usually see. And what if you see something that you are concerned about? What if you think someone you care about may not be in a safe relationship?

Here is the big difficult question: "What do you say to someone if you are concerned that they may be in an abusive relationship?"

Here is one pretty good way that I've found to talk with someone -- granted this is my style and everyone has a different style, but it goes something like this:

"You know I really care a lot about you. I've noticed you haven't been yourself lately, and that (and you would fill in here the other things you've noticed -- for example, the person seems afraid of their boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife, has unexplained injuries, seems isolated, etc.). I would rather be wrong or have you mad at me for asking than ever have anything bad happen to you so I just have to check in with you and ask -- are you safe in your relationship?"

Because really, if you think about it, that is the point, isn't it? You WOULD rather be embarrassed or feel uncomfortable asking, or be wrong rather than have something bad happen to a friend of yours and not say something.

And -- so what if your friend tells you that he or she is fine?

Then say: "Hey that’s great. But if you ever decide you aren't ok, I want you to know my door is always open." And you may also want to add, "And if you were ever concerned that I was not safe, I would hope you would ask me the same question, right?"

Because the point is, if we really have one another's backs, we should be able to ask each other these questions. And then if you can, you may want to check in again with your family member or friend again in a few weeks just to see how things are going.

People don't always tell you right away when they are in a relationship that is not safe or good for them. It takes time and it is not easy.

For help or assistance anytime (or just to check things out), call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or check out http://www.thehotline.org.

Or – for those in dating relationships, check out the National Dating Abuse Helpline -- on the web at http://www.loveisrespect.org or at 1-866-331-9474.

It never hurts to ask -- and it may help change or save the life of someone you care about.

(And survivors....any comments or additional suggestions you have are most welcome! You know best what is helpful!)

 

“YOUR VOICE COUNTS” – Speak Up Against Domestic Violence

 

 

In connection with National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Verizon Foundation has launched a new “Your Voice Counts” campaign in recognition that all Americans can play a role in ending domestic violence by promoting healthy relationships and changing attitudes that perpetuate the cycle of abuse.

 

The campaign is being launched in partnership with A CALL TO MEN, the Joyful Heart Foundation, and NOMORE – and it contains valuable information on how men can make a difference in their communities and speak out against domestic violence.  “Your Voice Counts” aims to mobilize men and women together in a way that has never been done before.

 

The campaign targets men of all ages and provides them with new tools and resources to empower them to speak out against this issue and set the example for others.  To kick off the campaign, the Verizon Foundation teamed up with well-known NFL sportscaster, James Brown, to create a powerful PSA that captures compelling stories of men and women whose lives have been deeply affected by domestic violence. 

 

They worked with the experts at A CALL TO MEN and the Joyful Heart Foundation to create an Action Guide that outlines five simple ways we can all get involved - including suggestions for confronting abusive language, tips on talking to young people and directions for what to do if domestic violence is suspected.

 

I hope you will help us spread the word about “Your Voice Counts” by:

 

·         Viewing the PSA and Action Guide at: www.verizonfoundation.org/yourvoicecounts

·         Sharing Your Voice Counts with others by adding this info. to your e-mail signature: Your Voice Counts.  Speak up against Domestic Violence.  www.verizonfoundation.org/yourvoicecounts

·         Using some of the sample tweets and Facebook updates developed for the campaign (below)

 

Facebook: Your Voice Counts. And when it comes to domestic violence - it could save a life. Watch and share this new video from @The Verizon Foundation. NFL Sportscaster James Brown speaks with survivors and encourages us all, especially men, to speak up and speak to someone about domestic violence. http://vz.to/OgVvyw

 

Twitter: #YourVoiceCounts & it could save a life http://vz.to/OgVvyw @VerizonGiving #ACALLTOMEN @TheJHF @JBSportscaster @NOMOREorg

 

Together, we can end the cycle of violence and abuse in our communities.

 

It's Time to Talk: See Something - Say Something - Get Involved

Have you ever watched John Quinones and ABC’s What Would You Do? 

If you haven’t,  it is a show where people are put in situations they think are real (but they are staged) and the show is watching to see “what they would do” when they think they see a child being abused, a bike being stolen, and pregnant woman drinking alcohol, etc.  You often see the very best in people when they step forward and “say something” and get involved in situations involving complete strangers because they believe it is not right to “just stand by.”
 
On October 2, Central Illinois will "take a moment to talk" about domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and elder abuse. The community will talk together about the fact that "trauma lasts a lifetime" and that there are impacts of trauma across the lifespan – including witnessing abuse as a child.
 
The community will emphasize the importance of bystander involvement and highlight the effects of trauma over a lifetime –including the impacts mentally, physically, socially of unaddressed trauma and the costs to community. The community will also include outreach to those who have not addressed trauma in the past to reach out for help.

 
We believe the community can make a difference.

We were thinking about John Quinones and “What Would You Do” and those involved came up with the idea:

 “It’s Time to Talk: See Something – Say Something – Get Involved”

 By the way, we tweeted our idea to Mr. Quinones and he gave us a “thumbs up” :-)

Events during the day include a conference on Trauma- informed care.  Trauma does not always evidence itself as we might imagine.  This conference will examine the unique needs of trauma survivors with a focus on education and training for professionals who provide care to this special population.  Conference participants will gain a greater understanding of the many facets of trauma through:

• a greater awareness of the causes of trauma
• recognizing the impact on the brain
• examining the physical, emotional and psychological impact
• exploration of the role of trauma in addiction

 (If you live in the Central Illinois area, and are interested, conference information is available at http://traumainformed-eorg.eventbrite.com. )

We’ll also be wearing purple as part of an initiative through a local community (the Town of Normal) and its police department. 

 We’ll have a lunch event for downtown business people/parents sponsored by our local Soroptimists:

We’ll even have “Care Crows” being decorated at a local pumpkin farm so families and children can learn about healthy relationships.

 

 

 

We also have resolutions from our local units of government and universities proclaiming October 2 as “It’s Time to Talk Day” and October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  Here’s an example:

 

 

It is never easy to open doors to talk about these issues – but we think that the idea of “What Would You Do?” is a pretty good place to start. 

We hope wherever you are on October 2, you will join us in taking a moment to talk – and getting involved. 

 

To learn more, visit https://www.facebook.com/CorporateAlliancetoEndPartnerViolence/events#!/CorporateAlliancetoEndPartnerViolence/events

HopeLine® from Verizon Introduces Mobile App for Android™ Smartphones and Tablets

HopeLine® from Verizon recently launched a new mobile tool, the HopeLine app, to further aid in its ongoing mission to support victims of domestic violence. Through this new app, individuals suffering from domestic violence will have quick access to resources and assistance in a time of need. Users can connect directly to the National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline) for crisis intervention, information or referrals using #HOPE.

In addition, the HopeLine app will serve as an online community for those looking to share their inspirational stories of survival and volunteers looking to discuss their own outreach efforts. Photos and videos can be directly shared through the app, giving users the ability to engage with others who are involved in domestic violence awareness.

For users who want to offer their support, the HopeLine app makes it easy for wireless users to donate no-longer-used wireless phones and accessories to HopeLine, Verizon Wireless' national cell phone recycling program. Using location-based technology, the app guides users to the nearest Verizon Wireless Communications Store, where they can easily drop off devices and accessories for donation. Cash donations to the cause are also possible through the text-to-donate option; customers can now make a donation of $10 to the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) directly from their mobile devices.

"With the HopeLine app, we are giving necessary resources to victims seeking help, as well as individuals looking to get involved," said Elva Lima, executive director of community relations and multicultural communications at Verizon Wireless. "Wireless phones and technology can serve as a vital lifeline for those who need support, and we are putting the power of our network and devices in the hands of those who need it."

For more than a decade, HopeLine from Verizon has raised awareness of domestic violence, providing hope to victims and survivors who have experienced its detrimental effects and has engaged the public in a nationwide conversation on the issue. HopeLine collects no-longer-used wireless phones and accessories and puts them to work in communities by helping victims and survivors of domestic violence. Donated devices and accessories are turned into support to help victims of domestic violence through the use of cash grants and refurbished phones.

 Since 2001, HopeLine has donated nearly 123,000 phones to domestic violence organizations across the country. No-longer-used phones collected through HopeLine have also been recycled to fund more than $14.2 million in cash grants for organizations working to end domestic violence.

The HopeLine app can be downloaded on a wide range of Android smartphones and tablets from Verizon Apps, from the Verizon Wireless online Media Store and Google Play.

There is no charge to download the app, but a Verizon Wireless data plan is required and usage may count toward a customer's data allowance.

For more information about HopeLine from Verizon, please visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.  

"Safer on the Streets than at Home"

Recently, a popular local newspaper columnist was noting the “rules” of living in our community.  The tone of the column was humor, and among his bullet points of the “rules” for living here was this:

“If you study the crime rates, you realize walking the streets at night in B-N is actually safer than staying home. Domestic issues at home far outnumber street crime here.” (You can read the full piece here.)

While the writer was trying to point out that the streets of the community are safe…I saw something different.  I saw this:

“Domestic issues at home far outnumber street crime here.”

This means that domestic violence is the crime our community should be discussing…should be talking about…should be concerned about, doesn’t it?

I’m not sure we should be saying “whew – aren’t we lucky we are safer on our streets than we are at home.”

I know that is not what the writer intended…but that is what I think many people don’t consider…we need to talk about, think about, and address domestic violence as a safety and community issue if we want our community to be safe. 

After all, everyone has the right to be safe and secure at home with the people who say they love them.

Just as much as they have the right to be safe walking the streets.

(To find out more about saying NO MORE, visit www.caepv.org and www.nomore.org.)

Honor Our Voices - Children's Perspectives of Domestic Violence

Did you know that over half of the residents of domestic violence shelters in the United States are children? (National Network to End Domestic Violence, 2010).

A new, innovative online training program called Honor Our Voices (www.honorourvoices.org) aims to elevate children’s voices, so that service providers may better hear, understand, and respond to the children and families they serve.

Honor Our Voices is designed to provide the opportunity to see domestic violence through the eyes and voices of children. The purpose of this learning module is to create a multi-pronged response to increase the awareness and sensitivity of shelter advocates and other social service providers to the needs of children and suggest promising ways of enhancing services for children exposed to domestic violence.

Included in this learning module is a downloadable guide for practice and a digital library of short audio programs that highlight specific promising practices through the voices of children.

The project was created by the Minnesota Center Against Violence and Abuse (MINCAVA) and the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare at the School of Social Work at the University of Minnesota, with support from the Avon Foundation for Women.

It is so important to give voices to the most vulnerable among us - and honoring the voices of children exposed to domestic violence is one

Domestic Violence and the Holidays - What Do You Say?

The holidays are coming and you will be around family and friends that you may not usually see. And what if you see something that you are concerned about? What if you think someone you care about may not be in a safe relationship?

Here is the big difficult question: "What do you say to someone if you are concerned that they may be in an abusive relationship?"

Here is one pretty good way that I've found to talk with someone -- granted this is my style and everyone has a different style, but it goes something like this:

"You know I really care a lot about you. I've noticed you haven't been yourself lately, and that (and you would fill in here the other things you've noticed -- for example, the person seems afraid of their boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife, has unexplained injuries, seems isolated, etc.). I would rather be wrong or have you mad at me for asking than ever have anything bad happen to you so I just have to check in with you and ask -- are you safe in your relationship?"

Because really, if you think about it, that is the point, isn't it? You WOULD rather be embarrassed or feel uncomfortable asking, or be wrong rather than have something bad happen to a friend of yours and not say something.

And -- so what if your friend tells you that he or she is fine?

Then say: "Hey, that is great. But if you ever decide you aren't ok, I want you to know my door is always open." And you may also want to add, "And if you were ever concerned that I was not safe, I would hope you would ask me the same question, right?"

Because the point is, if we really have one another's backs, we should be able to ask each other these questions. And then if you can, you may want to check in again with your family member or friend again in a few weeks just to see how things are going.

People don't always tell you right away when they are in a relationship that is not safe or good for them. It takes time and it is not easy.

For help or assistance anytime (or just to check things out), call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or check out http://www.thehotline.org. Or for those in dating relationships, check out the National Dating Abuse Helpline -- on the web at http://www.loveisrespect.org or at 1-866-331-9474.

It never hurts to ask -- and it may help change or save the life of someone you care about.

(And survivors....any comments or additional suggestions you have are most welcome! You know best what is helpful!)

More Than One-Third of Americans Have Never Discussed Domestic Violence

Are you surprised by the results of this new survey by The Allstate Foundation? 

Even though domestic violence affects one in four women in their lifetime, more than one-third of Americans have never discussed the issue with a friend or family member. Three out of five believe that it is a difficult issue to discuss.

This month, The Allstate Foundation and the YWCA are joining forces to break the silence and raise awareness about domestic violence by launching a new campaign designed to spur conversation and make it easier to talk about the issue. Based on The Allstate Foundation's long-term commitment to helping empower women economically to end domestic violence, the campaign encourages individuals to spread the story of the Purple Purse – the Foundation's new national symbol for domestic violence.  

"What many people don't realize is that abuse can be financial in nature such as withholding banking information or controlling a partner's money or misusing her financial identity and ruining a person's credit. This occurs just as frequently as physical abuse," said Michele Mayes, Allstate executive vice president & general counsel. "We are rallying people behind the Purple Purse because it stands for economic empowerment and represents the center of a woman's financial domain. It's also meant to convey the message that it's okay to talk about it – in fact please do."

To spread the message about the power of the Purple Purse, The Allstate Foundation today launched www.PurplePurse.com. The website appears to be an online shopping magazine, but after scrolling down the page, the user will find a variety of information and resources specific to the issue of domestic violence and financial empowerment. The website serves as a tool to raise awareness and provides a safe and informative place for women to educate themselves. PurplePurse.com also provides a place for women to start a discussion about domestic violence.

"As the largest provider of domestic violence services in the nation, the YWCA has worked tirelessly to combat domestic violence," says Gloria Lau, CEO of the YWCA USA. "Our partnership with The Allstate Foundation to heighten awareness of domestic violence and launch PurplePurse.com is another meaningful step in our effort to end this horrible epidemic in our society."

To kick-off the campaign, The Allstate Foundation and YWCA, along with top bloggers, are organizing TweetUps in nine cities across the country. The events are planned in nine cities across the country, including Birmingham, Ala., Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, El Paso, Texas, Los Angeles, New York City, Seattle, and Tucson, Ariz.

These events are designed to explain the story behind the Purple Purse, share information about the issue and encourage individuals to help spread the word about the campaign. TweetUp attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from a domestic violence survivor at each event. As an additional incentive to inspire more people to get involved, The Allstate Foundation will donate $100 for each TweetUp attendee, up to $10,000 at each event, totaling a $90,000 contribution to the YWCA.

Individuals across the country are encouraged to participate in the campaign and show their support by carrying a purple purse or bag throughout October, posting their favorite purple purse pics to PurplePurse.com and downloading the Purple Purse widget available on the website. This widget makes it easy to share Purple Purse content through social media and is designed to ensure that more people in need will be able to get information that can help.

Each year, The Allstate Foundation contributes more than $3 million in grants and programming to support economic empowerment for survivors and to help end domestic violence. Visit www.PurplePurse.com and www.ClickToEmpower.com to learn more.

About the Survey

The Allstate Foundation partnered with ORC International to conduct the research on domestic violence awareness. ORC International conducted telephone surveys among a national probability sample of 1,002 adults between September 22-25, 2011.

The sample was comprised of 501 men and 501 women 18 years of age and older, living in private households in the continental United States. The sampling error associated with a sample size of 1,002 is plus/minus two to three percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level.

So -- check out www.PurplePurse.com ...and keep on spreading the purple!