Best of NO MORE Week 2019 — #ChangeHappensHere

This year, we celebrated our 6th annual NO MORE Week by lifting up the stories of people and communities who are leading the way and changing the culture that perpetuates domestic and sexual violence.

From Washington to Chicago and all the way to Ecuador, the United Kingdom, and South Africa, thousands of individuals and organizations came together during NO MORE Week to show that #ChangeHappensHere. Events commemorating the week were held around the world!

In Vancouver, Washington, the National Women’s Coalition Against Violence & Exploitation (NWCAVE) held their annual NO MORE Summit, a conference where local leaders join to discuss prevention, domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and more.

Australia says NO MORE launched a powerful poster campaign, spreading their message in train stations across Sydney. The campaign features photos and statements from influential Australian celebrities, declaring the reasons that they are saying NO MORE to domestic violence and sexual assault.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuKBKamgPMp/

Southwest PA Says NO MORE brought together nearly 100 leaders, partners and supporters of the regional initiative led by FISA Foundation, The Heinz Endowments, and United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania for their annual meeting in Pittsburgh. The gathering highlighted the successes and impact of the work to date and focus on how to advance prevention efforts and create a world free from domestic violence and sexual assault.

At @endviolenceSWPA's Annual Meeting yesterday, surrounded by thought leaders from local orgs, we focused advancing prevention efforts & how we can be better resources in the movement to end #domesticviolence & #sexualassault. Inspiring, empowering afternoon!#ChangeHappensHere pic.twitter.com/scwEU0jywX

— Women's Center of Greater Pittsburgh (@wcspittsburgh) March 7, 2019

UK Says NO MORE, a program of Hestia, commissioned a new economic analysis — published this week — that estimates that half a million children in the UK have witnessed severe domestic violence. It’s estimated that the long-term cost to the UK taxpayer of supporting children who have been exposed to domestic violence is up to £1.4 billion. The coalition is leveraging the research to advocate for passage of a bill that would ensure child survivors have access to support and mental health services.

In Hawai‘i, NO MORE Week awareness included efforts and events across the state. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and Governor David Ige formally proclaimed March 3-9 as Hawai‘i Says NO MORE Week. Mayor Caldwell illuminated the lights of City Hall with the signature NO MORE blue, saying: “The Hale will be illuminated blue for a week, but it’s up to all of us to create awareness around this issue year round.”

In India, the Kolkata Hub of the Global Shapers Community—a network of young people driving action, dialogue and change—hosted Laughing Out the Patriarchy. This night of open mic comedy and laughter celebrated International Women’s Day and NO MORE Week.

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf showed his support for NO MORE Week, tweeting a picture of himself with his #ChangeHappensHere sign. Governor Wolf recently signed a ban keeping weapons out of the hands of domestic violence perpetrators, and is committed to ensuring the safety of survivors.

In October, I signed a ban to keep guns out of the hands of those with records of domestic violence.

In honor of @NOMOREorg Week, I join others in sharing my commitment to ending domestic and sexual violence. #ChangeHappensHere

Find help at https://t.co/KsFRW8yBF4. pic.twitter.com/M9OzdAv5HM

— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) March 5, 2019

The First Step Victim Services Department of Catholic Charities of Chemung and Schuyler Counties in Elmira, New York hosted several NO MORE Week events, from a potluck dinner and discussion to First Step, an art exhibition designed to raise awareness of domestic violence through expressive art.

The Victim Center in Springfield, Missouri — which serves almost 4,000 clients a year — developed and circulated a toolkit to help individuals and local businesses raise awareness of domestic, sexual assault and abuse in the area.

Kansas State University hosted a NO MORE Resource and Empowerment fair with a variety of campus and community partners to increase for sexual assault awareness and educate the community about these issues and available resources.

Alma College in Michigan hosted NO MORE Week activities sponsored by the school’s nursing students. Events included a screening of The Hunting Ground, fundraiser and lessons on how to identify signs of domestic/sexual abuse and who to talk to if this occurs.

NO MORE’s new Global Executive Director Pamela Zaballa will honor NO MORE Week at the annual consultation of National Women’s Machineries (NWMs) on March 10th. This event, convened as part of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) in New York, presents progress on the implementation of the Commonwealth Plan of Action for Gender Equality, including: women’s leadership, violence against women and girls, women’s economic empowerment and gender mainstreaming.

These events are just a few examples of the groundbreaking work that NO MORE allies, local and campus chapters, and individual supporters are doing to end domestic and sexual violence every day of the year.

NO MORE Week may be over, but together we can continue the momentum year round. Join us in celebrating Sexual Assault Awareness Month next month!