NO MORE and National Domestic Violence Hotline Help Stop Domestic Violence During Covid-19 Crisis

As more cities go on lock down to prevent the spread of Covid-19, the NO MORE Foundation and the National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline) have teamed up on a new public awareness and action campaign to respond to a challenging byproduct of isolating at home: victims of domestic violence are increasingly trapped with their abusers.

1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Reports from China suggest the coronavirus caused a significant spike in domestic violence there and national and local domestic violence hotlines in the US and UK expect huge increases in calls as cities and states need to take more drastic measures to quarantine. The Hotline is hearing from survivors how Covid-19 is already being used by abusive partners to further control and abuse.

Like with Covid-19, the signs of domestic abuse are not always visible. However, now that people are spending almost 24/7 at home, they might hear more coming from their neighbours’ homes than usual. Entitled #Listeningfromhome and created in London by MRM/McCann, the campaign aims to heighten people’s awareness of the problem, learn to recognise the signs and encourage them to safely get help if they do hear or observe incidents of domestic abuse. 

The Hotline is on the front lines of supporting survivors. The Hotline's entire team, more than 150 people, began working remotely in mid-March so that they can continue to provide critical, life-saving services for hundreds of thousands of survivors — no matter what happens. Thus, the campaign also asks people who can to make a donation to help support the Hotline’s response efforts.

“We want people to take COVID-19 seriously and be vigilant in staying home and trying to stay healthy, but while they’re home, we hope to enlist them as allies in the effort to stop the epidemic of domestic violence -- now, and beyond this immediate crisis,” said Pamela Zaballa, global executive director of The NO MORE Foundation. “It is an effort to do the most good possible during an especially scary, uncertain time.”

“Isolation is one of the strongest tactics an abuser can use, so building community around a survivor during Covid-19 is more important than ever before,” said Katie Ray-Jones, chief executive officer of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. “For those who know and care about survivors or for those who observe abuse, you can be a part of their safety plan. Whether you are a survivor or someone who cares about a survivor, the Advocates at The Hotline are here to help you understand the best ways to protect yourself and support those at risk.”

“This is a moment in time we cannot miss; a moment to activate the nation to get ‘Listening from Home’ whilst ‘Working from Home’. And importantly, to point people towards the resources to help,” said Nicky Bullard, chairwoman and chief creative officer, MRM//McCann.