National Domestic Violence Hotline Help Address Spike In Domestic Abuse During The COVID-19 Crisis

Reports from many cities and countries indicate that the COVID-19 crisis is leading to a significant spike in domestic violence, with several countries and cities citing more than double the usual number of calls to police, hotlines, and/or support services. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline) is hearing from many survivors how COVID-19 is being used by abusive partners to further control and abuse. In direct response, The NO MORE Foundation (NO MORE) and The Hotline are significantly expanding their recently launched public awareness and action campaign.

Entitled #Listeningfromhome and created by MRM, the campaign aims to heighten people's awareness of domestic violence and encourage them to safely get help if they experience, hear, or observe incidents of domestic abuse. In addition to an expanded social media effort, the campaign will now be included on more than 300 of Lamar's digital billboards in over 50 U.S. markets. In the U.K., in partnership with the U.K. Says NO MORE chapter, the campaign posters will go up in pharmacies and on several billboards across the country, mobilizing key community spaces as places to access information and support.

Specifically, people who hear of a loved one or neighbor experiencing domestic violence, are advised to:

• In the U.S., contact The Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 to get support. In the U.K., find details of local support through the Bright Sky App.
• Call the police in case of an emergency
• Learn more about all forms of abuse at nomore.org
• Donate to The Hotline so they can continue to provide critical, life-saving services for hundreds of thousands of survivors.

One in four women and one in nine men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With many isolating at home to contain the spread of COVID-19, many victims of domestic violence are trapped with their abusers. Any external factors that add stress and financial strain can negatively impact survivors and create circumstances where their safety is further compromised.

"These are difficult times for everyone, even more so for victims of domestic abuse," said Ian Dallimore, Lamar Advertising VP of Digital Growth. "The NO MORE message is such an important one during times like these. We are proud to support the efforts of the National Domestic Violence Hotline and to help raise awareness of the horrors of domestic abuse with our digital network."

"Like with COVID-19, the signs of domestic abuse are not always visible. However, now that people are home, they might hear more coming from their neighbors' homes than usual. We want to enlist these people as allies in the effort to stop the epidemic of domestic violence—now, and beyond this immediate crisis," said Pamela Zaballa, Global Executive Director of The NO MORE Foundation.

"Isolation is one of the strongest tactics an abuser can use, so building community around a survivor during COVID-19 is more important than ever before," said Katie Ray-Jones, Chief Executive Officer of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. "For those who know and care about survivors or for those who observe abuse, you can be a part of their safety plan. Whether you are a survivor or someone who cares about a survivor, the Advocates at The Hotline are here to help you understand the best ways to protect yourself and support those at risk."

"This is a moment in time we cannot miss; a moment to activate the nation to get 'Listening from Home' whilst 'Working from Home.' And importantly, to point people towards the resources to help," said Nicky Bullard, Chairwoman, and Chief Creative Officer, MRM.

''We know that victims of domestic abuse struggle to access help due to the stalking and control that they experience. We recognize the role that pharmacies play in society and even more so in a time of crisis such as now," said Sandra Gidley, President of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. "We're committed to encouraging all our members across the UK to be part of the response to domestic abuse, by ensuring we can enable victims to access specialist domestic abuse support services.''

"During this critical time, it is important we check in with family members, friends, and neighbors this may impact. Emergency responders are waiting for our calls and can provide the necessary tools to signpost to support. If we all listen for the sounds of violence, we may save a life," said Lyndsey Dearlove, head of UK SAYS NO MORE.