We're Taking Action For You
ABC Action News is taking action to help victims of domestic violence all year. Our first-ever Taking Action Against Domestic Violence campaign ran from March 23 - April 30, 2009. To mark national Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, our commitment continues with on-air segments, as well as behind-the-scenes with our employee domestic violence awareness campaign and our partnerships with local shelters. Sadly, domestic violence is an issue that does not discriminate. It affects young and old, rich and poor, and cuts across all lines of ethnicity and lifestyle. Today, domestic violence remains the single leading cause of injury to women in this country. The most alarming statistic - every day, 3 women will die at the hands of their partner.
Click here for a message from survivors of domestic abuse.
Our Taking Action Against Domestic Violence campaign reaches out to viewers on-air and on-line. If you missed our one-hour special, “Taking Action Against Domestic Violence – Primetime”, it is available online. Our campaign includes survivors’ stories, showcases dedication and passion as well as current programs in Tampa Bay counties that are available to help domestic violence victims.
We’ve learned the statewide hotline experienced a 25% surge in calls from March 23 to April 30th, 2009. In addition, on April 17th, the date when our hour long special aired, the statewide hotline experienced 100% increase in calls according to The President & CEO of the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Tiffany Carr. This represents hundreds of survivors reaching out for information and assistance which in turn translates into lives saved.
In May 2009, thanks to the generosity of our parent company’s Scripps Howard Foundation, ABC Action News donated $5,000 to the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The state hotline, 1-800-500-1119, connects callers to the domestic violence center nearest them and serves as a ‘life line’ to viewers across the bay area. Special thanks to the Nucci Spine Institute, Verizon Wireless and the Allstate Foundation for joining us in our efforts. Our domestic violence on-line component remains active and we thank viewers for your feedback. We remain committed in our mission to link victims of domestic violence with information and resources that can help change lives. Together, we can make a difference!
Taking Action Against Domestic Violence Earns Emmy
ABC Action News was recognized as having the best Community Service Campaign by a TV Station or Cable Station in the Suncoast region for their "Taking Action Against Domestic Violence" station initiative. Accepting the award on Saturday night was Community Affairs Director Lissette Campos, Special Projects Producer Jennifer McVan, and Photojournalist John Fulton.
Click here read the entire press release.
