Thank you for joining ABC Action News in our campaign against domestic violence

TAMPA - From the entire team here at ABC Action News, thank you for your continued support of station’s signature community outreach campaign, Taking Action Against Domestic Violence. 2011 will mark year three of the campaign, credited with a 60% increase to the Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline. The hotline, operated by the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence, is a pillar of the awareness campaign because it connects victims to the DV center nearest to them. The hotline, 1-800-500-1119, automatically links the caller based on the area code they are dialing in from. With 12 certified domestic violence centers in the area and the safety of victims in mind, the hotline provides one easy number for viewers in all 12 counties within reach of ABC Action News.

We’re thrilled to announce the campaign has been selected Best Community Service Campaign in the Southeastern U.S. two years in a row by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences – Suncoast Chapter! The two Emmy Awards are shared with advocates and DV survivors who’ve shared their stories with us! TAADV 2009 & 2010 campaigns were selected in the regional award competition which covers 19 television markets in the Southeastern U.S. – including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Puerto Rico.

“The success of the campaign is mind blowing”, says Tiffany Carr, President & CEO, of the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence. “Your hard work, commitment, and passion are simply overwhelming…thank you for being the most awesome advocate and partner that we could ever hope for…Taking Action Against Domestic Violence leads the way in drawing attention and awareness to the many issues of domestic violence. The commitment that you, WFTS TV ABC Action News and your community partners have made will not only help to educate the public, but even more important, will help to save and change lives.”

To date, TAADV campaign has received more than half a dozen journalism awards & recognitions. They include:

• National Headliner Award – 1st Place Best Public Service Award
• National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences – 2 Emmys – Best Community Service Campaign in Southeastern U.S.
• Society of Professional Journalists Green Eyeshade Award – 1st Place Best Public Service Campaign in Southeastern U.S. and 3rd Place Best Feature Reporting in Southeastern U.S. (DV Survivor Stories)
• Florida Associated Press – 1st Place Best Public Service Award in FL
• Society of Professional Journalists – 1st Place Best Community Service Campaign in FL