NO MORE: Advocates launch new symbol for domestic violence and sexual assault

March 13 marks a historic date in domestic violence awareness as major domestic violence and sexual assault prevention organizations across the U.S. came together today in Washington to join 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.

According to our friends at NO MORE, Mariska Hargitay, well known for her leading role as Detective Olivia Benson on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” urged communities to say NO MORE to domestic violence and sexual assault during a news conference earlier today.

Mariska also addressed the backlog of rape evidence collection kits (rape kits) nationwide, which is allowing rapists to get away with their crimes.

While getting ready for her big day in Washington, Mariska posted to her Facebook page:

Big day ahead here in Washington, DC. I'm honored to be a part of this historic day to launch the NO MORE movement to end to domestic violence and sexual assault. You can get involved, no matter where you are. The Joyful Heart Foundation has all the details online.

Dignitaries and politicians joining Mariska Hargitay today included actress and mark Brand Ambassador Ashley Greene, U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Sheldon Whitehouse, survivors of rape and domestic violence, local prevention experts and advocates, all coming together on Capitol Hill in the first national branding effort for domestic violence and sexual assault: NO MORE.

In conjunction with NO MORE Day was the release of a new national survey reinforcing the urgent need for increased awareness and education on domestic violence and sexual assault prevention.

The NO MORE Study: Teens and Young Adults, conducted by GfK Public Affairs & Corporate Communications, and funded by the Avon Foundation for Women, uncovers the grim reality of dating violence and sexual assault among 15 - 22 year olds. The study reveals that many don’t know about the warning signs and don’t know what to do to stop violence and assault.

Included among the key findings of the NO MORE study:

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.

“The Avon Foundation funded this survey to better understand why awareness of dating violence as an issue is improving, but bystander actions are not keeping up,” said Carol Kurzig, President of the Avon Foundation for Women.

“The data shows us that young people are willing to speak out, but that they don’t always know how to recognize the signs of abuse or how best to intervene. Raising awareness of the signs and how to take action is an essential first step in breaking the cycle of 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.

Our friends and associates from nearly every major domestic violence and sexual assault prevention organization in the country also support NO MORE: