Hello and thank you for your interest in the ABC Action News "Taking Action Against Domestic Violence" Campaign. On April 2, 2013, the National Association of Broadcasters announced its selection of ABC Action News as the recipient of the 2013 "Service to Community Award." Each year, the NAB honors a radio and television broadcaster in the U.S. for individual campaigns, projects or programs that serve the public good or otherwise provide exemplary service to their local communities. Our station, which is part of the Scripps Media Company, was selected to receive this prestigious national award because of the "Taking Action Against Domestic Violence" Campaign.

“The WFTS domestic violence programming embodies our company’s mission to do well by doing good,” said Rich Boehne, Scripps president and CEO. “The station is empowering others to change their lives for the better. We are honored that the NAB chose WFTS as a model in serving the community." The NAB's Celebration of Service to America Awards Ceremony is scheduled for June 3rd in Washington, D.C.

Since 2008, our station has been working hand-in-hand with the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence, our local domestic violence centers, and community partners. With the help of survivors and advocates, the Taking Action Against Domestic Violence campaign seeks to empower victims with information on shelters and help programs. With stories of help, hope & healing, we also celebrate the unsung heroes - local advocates, volunteers and law enforcement officers - who are transforming lives victims into survivors every day.

At the heart of the campaign, is the statewide domestic violence hotline, 1-800-500-1119. It’s operated by the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence in Tallahassee. The hotline serves as a lifeline to victims – automatically connecting callers to the shelter nearest them. There’s no wait, no dropped calls, no hassle. With 12 certified domestic violence centers in Tampa Bay, victims can easily link to the shelter nearest them with just one number: 1-800-500-1119.

Since the inaugural campaign of Taking Action Against Domestic Violence in 2009, the hotline has seen a 77% increase in calls. The hotline is prominently featured in Taking Action Against Domestic Violence special reports, interviews on Positively Tampa Bay, Public Service Announcements and our annual Primetime Special. These items are uploaded to this website for viewing online, anytime. Our website remains active year round, providing links to local shelters and assistance programs throughout our viewing area.

Our station created the Taking Action Against Domestic Violence Officer/ First Responder of the Year Award in 2011 in light of the tremendous community support the campaign has received. The award is presented each May during the Our Heroes Luncheon hosted by Sykes Enterprises. ABC Action News was inspired to create this award by the action of Sgt. Edward Borrelli of the St. Petersburg Police Department - whose dogged determination in the 1998 case of a local DV victim saved her life and set her on a new course. It's but one example of the tremendous efforts being made to break the cycle of abuse in our community.

 Click here to read the announcement by NAB and Scripps Media Company on 2013 Service to Community Award

 Click here to see a video summary of TAADV 2009 - 2012 campaigns.