For Launch on April 12, 2024
With the passing of OJ Simpson, the Nationwide Home Violence Hotline (The Hotline) acknowledges there will likely be vital media protection and conversations associated to his life, soccer profession, and home violence.
“We proceed to face with brave survivors who navigate troublesome conditions day by day,” stated Katie Ray-Jones, the Chief Government Officer of The Hotline. “We acknowledge the headlines and media protection surrounding the loss of life of O.J. Simpson could set off some and encourage these impacted to follow self-care and attain out to The Hotline in the event that they want help. We additionally name on media retailers to contemplate survivor-centric reporting practices.”
We all know anecdotally that the Simpson case and the overwhelming media protection on the time inspired many survivors of relationship abuse, who noticed their very own experiences within the protection, to succeed in out for help to home violence applications and shelters, some for the primary time ever. This improve in want and demand for higher help for victims paved the way in which for the federal authorities to reply with the Violence Towards Girls Act, which initially handed in 1994 and funded the creation of the Nationwide Home Violence Hotline.
Throughout The Hotline’s first 12 months of operations in 1996, we answered roughly 75,000 calls from survivors, family and friends members, and advocates. In 2023, that quantity grew to a shocking 419,685 calls, chats, and textual content messages. The exponential improve demonstrates the skyrocketing want amongst survivors for compassionate and non-judgmental advocacy in addition to the pervasiveness of home violence within the US.
The Hotline is right here 24/7 for all these impacted by home violence needing help. We stand with survivors now and all the time.
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The Nationwide Home Violence Hotline envisions a world the place all relationships are constructive, wholesome, and free from violence. Should you or somebody is experiencing relationship abuse in any type, assist is accessible. The Nationwide Home Violence Hotline offers free, confidential help 24/7/365. Textual content START to 88788, name 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or chat with us on-line at TheHotline.org. You aren’t alone.