May Newsletter - Standing With Survivors Worldwide

This past month, there have been several important stories related to domestic and sexual violence. From ongoing changes to federal grants for important survivor services and prevention programs to high profile trials of Harvey Weinstein and Sean "Diddy" Combs, we have been closely monitoring the news and assessing the impacts to our work and our many partners’ efforts. While there are many challenges, we remain steadfast in our commitment to increase awareness and push for change needed to stop and prevent abuse. We were also energized by our annual in-person Board meeting in New York, where we gathered to discuss opportunities and strategies for the coming year. 

Here’s a look at some of the highlights of our efforts in May, which would not be possible without your ongoing support. 

Raising Awareness of the Connection Between Abuse and Mental Health

In commemoration of National Mental Health Awareness Month, we used our platforms to highlight the impacts of domestic and sexual violence on mental well-being. For example, survivors of abuse are 3 times more likely to develop anxiety, depression, or PTSD. This not only harms survivors, but it also has significant negative impacts on workplaces and communities, from increasing health care costs, lowering productivity, and having poorer economic outcomes. Through our NO MORE Global Directory and NO MORE Silence: Speak Your Truth platforms, we continue to work to help survivors heal as well as to get more people involved in ending domestic and sexual violence. 

Supporting Survivors During MMIP Awareness Month

This month also marked the awareness period for missing and murdered Indigenous people (MMIP). This is a population that is too often overlooked but that experiences domestic and sexual abuse at higher rates and has less access to support services. Too often, survivors in this and other marginalized communities experience barriers to care, safety, and visibility, a reality that we’re committed to changing through our awareness-raising tools and resources. 

Delivering Change with IDB in Latin America & Haiti

This month, our partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) continued across Latin America and launched for the first time in Haiti. Together, we’re providing specialized training to strengthen gender-related practices in public works and infrastructure projects, helping local agencies integrate social safeguards and address risks related to gender-based violence.

We're proud to have reached audiences in countries ranging from Bolivia and El Salvador to Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. We are greatly looking forward to reaching even more communities soon; together, we can promote gender equality and end domestic and sexual violence, everywhere.

Looking Forward to the Brilliance Summit

We’re proud to be the official charity partner of next month’s Brilliance Summit, happening on June 26th: a powerful, day-long event in London featuring inspiring speakers, thoughtful conversations, and opportunities to build lasting connections.

We’re honored to bring the voice of survivors and advocates to this space and to highlight how leadership can help drive lasting change in the movement to end domestic and sexual violence. If you’re based in London, we’d love to see you there!

Coming Soon: Your Insights on Funding Uncertainty

We’re grateful to all the organizations and service providers who participated in our survey to better understand how recent funding uncertainties and policy changes are affecting the delivery of services for victim/survivors and prevention programs around the world. The survey closed earlier this month and we are looking forward to sharing our findings with you soon.

Reminder: Get Support From Bright Sky and the NO MORE Global Directory 

If you or someone you know has experienced domestic or sexual violence, help is available. You can find information and resources through Bright Sky in the U.S. and connect to support services in 200 countries/territories through the NO MORE Global Directory. 

Help Make a Difference

Every donation, large or small, will help us to provide vital resources like the NO MORE Global Directory and deliver impactful awareness and prevention campaigns. Please consider making a gift today. Thank you! 

Thank you for being a part of the movement to end domestic and sexual violence. Together, we’re making a real difference.