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Coordinated Community Response Column

Domestic violence and sexual assault advocates across the United States have come together to say NO MORE. They are no longer addressing these issues separately but working together to make domestic violence and sexual assault a priority among public concern. At the forefront of this movement is the NO MORE campaign. The NO MORE campaign is a grassroots effort created to enhance public awareness on domestic violence and sexual assault issues.

The effects of domestic violence and sexual assault are widespread. Neither issue is limited to a specific demographic; race, gender, sexuality, class, religion, and age do not matter. Both forms of violence occur in urban, suburban, and rural areas, and both affect a high percentage of the population. According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, more than 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of domestic violence or sexual assault in their lifetime. These numbers are staggering. Yet despite how prevalent domestic violence and sexual abuse are, silence and stigma continue to surround these issues.

NO MORE seeks to end the silence and the stigma. One way they have done so is through the creation of the NO MORE symbol. The NO MORE symbol is a blue doughnut, representing the movement towards the elimination of domestic violence and sexual assault. This symbol encourages people to show their support and speak out against these issues. When people display this symbol, victims are shown that they can come forward – they are supported. Others see that domestic violence and sexual assault should not be tolerated, and gradually more people begin to stand up against these types of violence. Displaying the NO MORE symbol is simple and easy thing to do, yet the effect is powerful.

Simple Ways to Say NO MORE:

• Visit the NO MORE website at http://www.nomore.org

• Download the free NO MORE toolkit

• Hang the symbol in an office, a window, or a car

• Use NO MORE as part of an e-mail signature

• Post it on Facebook or Twitter

• Wear NO MORE on a t-shirt

• Tell friends or family about NO MORE

If you have further questions about how to be involved, or how to get help, contact HELP of Door County, Inc. at 920.743.8818 or the Sexual Assault Center at 920.746.8996.

This article is brought to you in part by the Door County Coordinated Community Response (CCR) to Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Teams and the Door County Elder and Adult-at-Risk Interdisciplinary Team.