"DO MORE for NO MORE domestic violence and sexual assault

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It's every parent's worst nightmare: finding out (or worse, not finding out) that their child has been a victim of physical or sexual abuse. These issues are uncomfortable to talk about and frightening to imagine, but they are happening. Studies show nearly 1 in 10 teenagers will experience physical violence from a dating partner and 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 7 boys will experience sexual abuse in childhood, more often than not, from someone they know.

Our failure to talk about these issues, to recognize the warning signs, and to create supportive environments in our homes, schools and communities where victims are able to come forward, are all reasons why they continue to happen. We are all bystanders to the violence and abuse that goes on in our circles of influence and it's time for that to end. Why should I care?

The next time you’re in a room with 6 people, think about this:

1 in 4 women experience violence from their partners in their lifetimes.

1 in 3 teens experience sexual or physical abuse or threats from a boyfriend or girlfriend in one year.

1 in 6 women are survivors of sexual assault.

1 in 5 men have experienced some form of sexual victimization in their lives.

1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men were sexually abused before the age of 18.

These are not numbers.

They’re our mothers, girlfriends, brothers, sisters, children, co-workers and friends.

They’re the person you confide in most at work, the guy you play basketball with, the people in your book club, your poker buddy, your teenager’s best friend – or your teen, herself.

Soon, you'll be seeing this symbol everywhere: in celebrity advertisements, national media outlets and on the homepages of thousands of blogs. We hope that you will be among this last group, because we know that you and your readers have a huge stake in this issue, and that your influence is invaluable to this important cause.

The silence and shame must end for good.You can find out more at NO More where you can download the free NO MORE toolkit, with logos, fliers, postcards and information on the many ways they can use this symbol to raise awareness.

Also, don't forget to visit NO MORE on Facebook and Twitter.