Groups and celebrities are joining in spreading the word about a new campaign that is saying “No Más” (no more) to domestic violence.
The "Decimos NO MÁS" Campaign, comprised of Spanish and English ads and resources, aims to start an conversation about domestic violence within Latino communities.
In April, the Avon Foundation for Women, the domestic violence prevention campaign NO MORE and Minnesota non-profit and domestic violence prevention leader Casa de Esperanza released a study called NO MÁS. The nationwide survey of 800 Latinas nationwide over age 18 found that one in four Latinos know someone who is a victim of sexual assault and nearly 50 percent of all surveyed know a domestic violence victim.
The study also showed that 83 percent of those surveyed were very willing to speak to their children about the issue, and nearly two-thirds of the Latinas surveyed who knew a victim of domestic violence said they had intervened and done something for the victim.
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The campaign, released Nov. 17, is shaped to equip parents with tools and talking points to have these often difficult conversations about domestic violence with their children.
“We believe that if parents can talk “with" instead of “to” their children they can develop and sustain open lines of communication that will lead those children to have healthy relationships as adults,”said Chief Strategy Officer for Casa de Esperanza and a survivor of domestic violence, Ruby White Starr.
"Latinos know the issues are real," said White Starr. She adds that Latinos are ready to move beyond awareness and are ready to take action.
"We hope the Decimos NO MÁS campaign can help support these efforts and engage more parents in the work to end domestic violence and sexual assault," she said.
Many have taken to Twitter to share their support and stories with the hashtag #WeSayNoMas or #DecimosNoMas. Notable Cuban-American actor and lead of Law and Order: SVU, Danny Pino urged his followers to talk to their kids about healthy relationships.