Hotlines A publication of the National Domestic Violence Hotline® (NDVH) Fall 2008 Hotline Answers Two Millionth Call

On September 30th, the National Domestic Violence Hotline answered Percent Increase in Calls Received: 2007 to 2008 its two millionth call. This milestone represents two million families that have received help and hope since the Hotline’s inception in 1996. This 20% call came as the need for the Hotline continues to grow. During 2008, 15% the call volume for the Hotline has increased by approximately 1,000 15% more calls per month. 11% 11% 11% 10% 10%

The Hotline received over 230,000 calls in 2007 with its monthly call 5% volume averaging over 19,500 calls. As the number of calls have 3% 1% climbed steadily in 2008, some months have seen a 10% to 15% 0% increase over the same months the previous year. Answering this -5% increased volume of calls places significant strain on the Hotline’s

resources. Unfortunately, this results in a longer wait time for callers -10% needing to get to safety, and a increased number of callers hanging up, -10%

both of which can be dangerous in violent situations. To address this Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug issue the Hotline has increased volunteer recruitment for advocates. [Continued on page 4 – Two Millionth Call]

Vital Link Awards Event to Honor Leaders On October 28, 2008, the National Domestic Violence Hotline will host the Vital Link Advocacy and Social Change Awards at Cipriani 23 in New York City. The Vital Link Awards ceremony, NDVH’s most Victor Rivers is an actor, distinguished event, is held each year to pay tribute to individuals and organizations for author and activist. In their outstanding service and efforts to raise awareness about domestic violence. his personal memoirs, Vital Link Award Voices for Change A Private Family Matter, Victor describes what it Verizon Foundation S. Epatha Merkerson has was like to survive a home is a national leader in won the hearts of millions affected by domestic supporting local and of Americans with her violence, only to find few people willing to national organizations compelling portrayal in help. A member of the Hotline’s Celebrity that focus on domestic NBC’s Law & Order of Board, Victor feels strongly that we must violence education, Lieutenant Anita Van all be engaged in the work to end domestic prevention and victim Buren, who personifies violence. In his words, “When I tell people I empowerment. It leverages its human, a dedicated advocate for victims of speak out against domestic violence, they technical and financial resources to help violence in the criminal justice system. ask ‘Isn’t that strictly a woman’s issue?’ premier organizations such as Boys to The recipient of an Emmy award for this Domestic Violence is everyone’s issue.” Men, the National Family Justice Center role, and numerous other honors, Epatha Victor is a veteran actor, now appearing in Alliance, Mexican American Legal Defense has reached millions through the medium the NBC hit series, LIFE. Fund and Los Angeles Urban League. of television, helping the public better [Continued on page 7 – Vital Link Awards] Patrick Gaston, President, will accept on understand the experiences of victims behalf of Verizon Foundation. and the intricate challenges in bringing For more information visit: safety to survivors and justice for victims. www.ndvh.org/vitallink The CEO’s Line

On September 30, the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) answered its two millionth call. NDVH is the largest organization in the country solely dedicated to Hotlines is published to provide information about providing domestic violence hotline services. As we respond to the needs of our National Domestic Violence Hotline services and callers and reflect on reaching this milestone, we are keenly aware that we have not operations, as well as national domestic violence done it alone. issues and trends. Materials from Hotlines may be reprinted without permission, using the following Through the ongoing support of the Violence Against Women Act and the generosity credit: “Hotlines, a publication of the National Domestic of individual and corporate donors, the Hotline has provided help and hope to two Violence Hotline.” million families since its inception in 1996. We honor the contribution donors, Hotline advocates, coalitions across the country and local service providers have made in this National Advisory Board effort. Rose M. Stuckey Kirk, Chair

The need for the Hotline continues to grow. During 2008, the call volume for the Dede Bartlett Irene Natividad Hotline has increased by about 1,000 more calls per month. This increase is sad Carole Bass Ella Newman evidence that families are facing bigger challenges than ever before. We must join together to change the cultural factors that allow domestic violence to exist. The Edward Condon Jacquelyn Pierce solution will come from all of us working together, serving as one voice for those Anne Crews Jane Randel being abused. David Diggs Trish Rodriguez Monica Getz Gary Schwartz As part of the NDVH effort to work closely with national and local domestic violence Howard R. Greene Susan Slater-Jansen programs, NDVH recently hosted a national think tank to determine how the large volume of anonymous Hotline caller data can be used by the domestic violence field Maury S. Lane Meredith Wagner in shaping policy, identifying gaps in service and barriers to access, and to better Regina Montoya inform the work of the domestic violence community.

In serving teens looking for answers about healthy dating and dating abuse, the loveisrespect, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline is aggressively using online National Council on Family Violence technology to communicate. The success of this effort was recently acknowledged Board of Directors when the Helpline received a 2008 Webby Award, the premier international award for excellence on the . The ’s online chat service is delivering help and Kim Vickers hope to a teen population that is underserved across the country on this issue. MariBen Ramsey

As the country goes through turbulent times, NDVH remains dedicated to helping Catrina Wilson families through the difficulties in their lives. This help is needed now more than ever. Caroline Vetterling NDVH continues to play a significant national role in changing lives and in supporting local and national efforts to end domestic violence. Charles L. Perry Maury Lane

Margi Preston

Sheryl Cates, CEO

Sheryl Cates Chief Executive Officer, National Domestic Violence Hotline

Donors

Each day, more than 600 families call the National Domestic Violence when families are under duress, incidences of abuse increase and calls to Hotline to escape from family violence. What will they do if the phone is the Hotline rise accordingly. not answered? The same issues impacting families across the country have decreased For 11 years, the Hotline has been a lifeline between families in crisis and the size of private gifts from corporations and foundations, forcing us safety, and this month, the 2 millionth call for help was answered by Hotline to make budget cuts at precisely the time when our services are most advocates. Now, more than ever, we need your help to continue our efforts desperately needed. Private funding provides approximately 35% of the on behalf of these women, children and men. Hotline budget.

The current economic uncertainties facing our country, along with recent Increased demand and decreased funding is not a good formula for natural disasters, are putting a strain on American families. We know that families in need. Please make a donation today. Your gift could save a life.

2 Hotlines 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) / 1.800.787.3224 (TTY) On the Line Every hour of every day, Hotline Advocates ­answer calls from around the nation. The calls are ­dramatic, touching and real.

On the Hotline “I called because I’ve lost all my connections to the outside world, and I have no hope to get out of this by myself,” the caller admitted. She paused. “But now that I have someone on the phone, I don’t know where to start. I’ve been forced to keep silent for so long.”

“Take all the time you need,” I assured her. “I’m here for you.”

Once she started talking, the words flowed freely. She reflected nostalgically on how she used to love social situations. People had once told her that her laughter could light up an entire room of people. Then, with a deep mourning in her voice, she described how her social butterfly years had gradually slipped from her fingers once she got married. Her husband immediately forced her to quit her job to raise children. Jealous of the amount of time that she spent on the phone with her family, he cut her time down to 10 minutes and sat in the room to monitor what she was saying. Soon, the phone calls dwindled to seven minutes, then five minutes, then three minutes, then nothing at all.

He would always stand at the open kitchen window as she talked with the neighbors in the yard so that he could hear every word. She was afraid to discuss anything but the weather and the garden, for fear of provoking him to violence. He even stopped letting her pick the kids up from school because, at least in his mind, there was a possibility that she would reveal their darkest secrets to the children’s teachers. She had long since lost her friendships. She had no coworkers. Her relationships with her parents and siblings had become distant and superficial, at best.

“He forced me to give up all my relationships aside from him. I’m completely and utterly alone. Now it’s too late to go back to my friends and family. It’s been 15 years,” she said.

I reassured her that she was not alone. Though her husband may have forced her into isolation in order to maintain control, there were still ways in which she could reach out for help. I assured her that, together, we would find the resources that she needed to get herself and her children to safety.

I pulled up a list of domestic violence providers and resources in her area. “Looks like this shelter might be perfect for you! Why don’t I connect you, and we can talk to them together?”

“That would be fantastic!” she cried. “Thank you. I couldn’t have done this alone.” On the Helpline “So, check this: this guy that I’ve been dating for, like, six months won’t even let me go to my best friend’s birthday party because there might be other guys there. That isn’t healthy, right?”

I assured the caller that she was completely justified in feeling alarmed by her boyfriend’s behavior. I explained that no guy, no matter how long they’ve been dating, has the right to control who she sees and when she sees them. Jealousy, though it may be his excuse for controlling behavior, is not a justification for it.

After ensuring that she was on a secure computer, I directed her to loveisrespect.org. I showed her where to find the warning signs of an abusive relationship on the website, and I walked her through the list.

“Wow. I guess I should be concerned that we fit, like, three-fourths of these warning signs,” she said.

I encouraged her by pointing out that it’s always good to know the red flags. “If you ever need to run these things by someone who can support you, we’re always here as a resource.” www.ndvh.org Fall 2008 3 Loveisrespect.org Wins Webby Award

On June 2nd, loveisrespect. issues via online chat. “It is org, the online home of critical that we meet them the loveisrespect, National where they are because Teen Dating Abuse Helpline some teens who need help LIVE CHAT was recognized with a would never call a hotline,” Webby Award, the leading explained Hopkins. ON international award honoring excellence on the Internet. A Caller/chatter safety is deciding factor in choosing the primary concern for lovesisrespect.org for the the Helpline, so high-level award was the website’s precautions have been taken ability to connect with to ensure that all chats are technically savvy teens who confidential and secure. As prefer to communicate through online chat. the nation’s largest dating abuse service provider, the Helpline has worked closely with the NNEDV Safety Net Project to ensure The Program, often referred to as the “Academy that the strictest privacy and technology controls are in place. Awards” for , was established in 1996, and is presented The Helpline does not collect identifying information or ISP annually by The International Academy of Digital Arts and addresses and chats are not saved on Helpline computers. Sciences, a 550—member body of leading Web experts, business figures, luminaries, visionaries and creative celebrities. Local and national domestic violence programs are adding the This year’s Webby Awards received over 8,000 entries from over loveisrespect chat advocacy feature to their own outreach 60 countries and all 50 states. Loveisrespect.org was named the around dating abuse. These organizations provide a link to the winner in the Website category of Activism. loveisrespect.org chat advocacy page on their website and social networking sites. “We are pleased that we can assist local “One unique feature of loveisrespect.org is that we provide programs in helping teens in their area who might not call the instant access to online chat advocacy,” said Candice Hopkins, local hotline,” said Brian Pinero, a Helpline supervisor. “Whether Director of the Helpline. The live online chat feature allows teens it is via phone or chat, our peer advocates always help teens, to have a private, anonymous online conversation with a peer friends, and family think about where to get support in their local advocate. area.”

“We know that the judges chatted online with our peer “Some of our callers and chatters are looking for a place they advocates on at least two occasions and that’s what really set can get counseling or maybe go to a support group,” said a us apart,” said Hopkins. “They had a chance to experience how Helpline Peer Advocate. “Some are even looking for volunteer powerful the chat advocacy is for teens who need help,” she opportunities. We’re always happy when we can find a local added. program that helps teens and lets them get involved too.”

The live chat advocacy feature, which can be found on any page For more information visit: of loveisrespect.org, has proven to be a preferred vehicle for www.webbyawards.com and teens to get help. In 2007, over 40% of Helpline contacts were chats. Some teens feel more comfortable talking about sensitive www.loveisrespect.org

[Continued from page 1 – Two Millionth Call] Percent Increase in Contacts Received: 2007 to 2008 The loveisrespect, National Teen Dating 100% 91% 88% Abuse Helpline has also seen significant 90% 78% increases in both call and chat volume in 80%

2008. In the last six months, the Helpline 70% has experienced between 20% and 90% 60% increases in call volume per month. Chat 50% volume experienced similar fluctuations, with 40% the number of chats more than doubling in 28% 30% July and August. Overall, the last six months 21% 20% 14% in 2008 have seen an average increase 10% in call volume of 50% per month and an average increase in chat volume of 63% per 0%

month. Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug

4 Hotlines 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) / 1.800.787.3224 (TTY) Teen Dating Violence Awareness Campaigns Launch for Back-to-School

Lisa Waddell, NDVH Communications Director Just in time for September back-to-school activities, the loveisrespect, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline launched two public awareness campaigns targeted at teens in Texas. These campaigns are designed to raise awareness about healthy dating behavior and help teens identify dating abuse “red flags.” The other key campaign objective is to let teens know that the Helpline is available to provide information and real- time one-on-one support from trained Peer Advocates.

The Mary Kay Charitable Foundation sponsored a cinema public service TRUST YOURSELF, IF THINGS DON’T FEEL RIGHT LOVE SHOULD BE FUN & EXCITING- announcement (PSA) campaign to run CALL US OR CHAT ONLINE-WE’LL HELP YOU RECOGNIZE THE RED FLAGS in movie theaters in Dallas, Houston and IT’S ANONYMOUS, FREE, & A CHANCE TO TALK TO SOMEONE WHO UNDERSTANDS Austin. The lively PSA invites teens to go to 1 866 331 9474 LOVEISRESPECT.ORG loveisrespect.org and take a quiz to see if a project of the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline “their relationship needs a makeover” and will be viewed by over 363,000 teens during the four week campaign.

The loveisrespect, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline, in partnership with the Office of the Texas Attorney General, launched the LOVE campaign which consisted of sending posters, wallet cards, quizzes and fact sheets to over 2,100 Texas high schools and youth organizations. The campaign artwork, designed to have a hip, urban feel, was developed through multiple focus groups with male and female teens of all race and socio-economic backgrounds. The campaign was also launched via the popular social networking sites MySpace and YouTube.

Helping teens understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy dating behavior is essential to keeping them safe and preparing them for fulfilling, successful lives. Thank you to the Mary Kay Charitable Foundation and the Texas Attorney General for For more information visit: enabling the loveisrespect, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline to help thousands of teens in Texas. www.webbyawards.com and www.loveisrespect.org New Members Join NDVH National Advisory Board

The NDVH National Advisory Board (NAB) welcomes two new members who are joining the board in October 2008. The NAB consists of prominent national leaders who are committed to raising awareness and the resources necessary to ensure that the Hotline’s lifesaving work continues.

Jacquelyn Pierce Trish Rodgriguez 2006­—2008 General Federation of Women’s General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) Clubs (GFWC) International President Trish is a member of the GFWC national Under Jacquelyn’s leadership, GFWC members Domestic Violence Committee and plays a gave over 15.9 million dollars in projects and pivotal role in managing GFWC’s domestic programs to promote the awareness and violence prevention projects and programs prevention of domestic violence. GFWC is conducted by over 100,000 members. She has a founding and dedicated member of NDVH’s “Million Voices been an active leader of innovative programs throughout the Campaign Against Domestic Violence in America” and state of Delaware. instrumental in signing up over 10,000 campaign members.

www.ndvh.org Fall 2008 5 Million Voices Campaign Members Contribute in Local Communities

Kelly D. Wagner, Million Voices Campaign Coordinator

The Million Voices Campaign to End Domestic Violence in America signed up more than 13,000 members who are working in their local communities to educate, inform, and raise awareness about the problem of domestic violence and sources of help. Community commitment is a key factor to ending the pervasive cycle of domestic violence, and these passionate citizens are working to mobilize their communities into action.

Activities undertaken by Million Voices Campaign members are as diverse as the communities they represent. Every action, big or small, creates awareness and encourages dialogue.

GFWC Mississipi Juniorette members promote the Million Voices Great Actions And Good Ideas Campaign to End Domestic Violence.

• One group held a statewide poster competition about ending domestic violence and the Million Voices Campaign. The posters were then displayed on the sidewalk surrounding the state capitol. • Another group hosted a seminar about Hollywood’s glorification of stalking. • Members have displayed Hotline posters in local court buildings to inform victims of their options. • Campaign members across the country are organizing charity walks in honor of lost loved ones.

As membership in the Million Voice Campaign grows, so will the Mississippi General and Juniorette members at Barnes Crossing impact that individual campaign members have in their local Mall in Tupelo, MS communities. The collective voice of campaign members is growing as well. Thousands of citizens speaking with one voice have the potential to transform the culture that we live in. The Million Voices Campaign, through local action and a united national voice, is creating change in our communities and across America. We urge you to join this unparalleled effort by visiting www.ndvh.org/million. Membership is free.

For more information and to add your voice to the Million Voices Campaign visit www.ndvh.org/million Follansbee 20th Century Club proudly displays their project for Make a Difference Day.

6 Hotlines 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) / 1.800.787.3224 (TTY) 2008 Vital Link Awards

[Continued from page 1] Media for Change Volunteers for Change Lifetime Achievement Award

Seventeen Magazine Jacquelyn Pierce One of America’s will be honored for its (top photo) foremost legal experts

partnership with the on crimes of violence, Nannette White loveisrespect, National Linda Fairstein served for (bottom photo) Teen Dating Abuse 25 years as the bureau chief of the Sex Crimes Helpline. Seventeen has General Federation of Prosecution Unit (SCPU) provided outstanding Women’s Clubs coverage to raise awareness about teen of the New York County dating abuse and the Helpline as a source District Attorney’s Office before stepping of help. Joanna Saltz, Executive Editor, will “Domestic Violence down in 2002 to continue her advocacy accept on behalf of Seventeen. Awareness and on behalf of victims as well as writing her Prevention” was the bestselling crime novels. Fairstein started MySpace will be honored 2006-2008 special project her groundbreaking career for its partnership with of GFWC International as a prosecutor in 1972, the loveisrespect, President Jacquelyn and was appointed to National Teen Dating Pierce. Under the chairmanship of head the SCPU in 1976 – Abuse Helpline. By Nannette White, the leadership of eight handling or supervising providing social women leaders around the nation, and the every case of sexual networking outreach, embracing of the project by club members assault and domestic MySpace has raised awareness about around the world, GFWC members gave violence, and healthy dating and dating abuse with teens over $15.9 million in projects and programs homicides related across the nation. MySpace continues to to promote the awareness and prevention to those crimes, in assist in keeping this issue before teens. of domestic violence during President Manhattan. Lee Brenner, Director of Public Affairs, will Pierce’s administration. GFWC is a founding accept on behalf of MySpace. and dedicated member of NDVH’s “Million Voices Campaign To End Domestic Violence in America” and instrumental in signing up over 10,000 campaign members.

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

www.ndvh.org Fall 2008 7 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1374 Austin, Texas

P.O. Box 161810 Austin, TX 78716

National Think Tank Brings Experts Together

On September 15th and 16th, NDVH hosted that, when aggregated, reveals national patterns “Meeting of the Minds: NDVH Data and the and trends as they unfold. Anonymous Caller Domestic Violence Community.” This national Demographic think tank session explored ways in which During the think tank session, national experts in Information Collected anonymous caller information collected by NDVH research, policy, technical assistance and direct can be used to inform the work of local and services joined in an effort to find ways to use • Gender national domestic violence organizations. caller data in shaping policy, identifying gaps • Age in service and barriers to access, and in better • Ethnicity The wealth of information in the NDVH database serving the domestic violence community. • Language is immense, as each call offers a new perspective • Location of the experience of domestic violence victims Following additional input and analysis, • Situation and allies across the nation. Answering an NDVH staff will create a final report and • Services required/ average of 17,000 calls per month, NDVH recommendations to be implemented mid-2009. requested advocates collect anonymous caller information

In this Issue: Two Million Calls Webby Award Raising Their Voices

NDVH Answers its loveisrespect.org wins The General Federation of Women’s Clubs sponsors 1 two millionth call. 3 prestigious Webby Award. 6 Million Voices Campaign events around the country.

Hotlines 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) / 1.800.787.3224 (TTY)