Dozens of Celebrities are Joining our 'Love Is' Campaign and Leading Our New Celebrity Committee to Raise Awareness About Domestic Violence in a Year-long Commemoration of the 15th Anniversary of The National Domestic Violence Hotline

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- A Fabulous Array of Stars will kick off a year-long campaign for the National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline) to help end domestic violence.

Actress Salma Hayak Pinault is the Honorary Chair of the Committee.  She is joined by honorary committee members Christina Aguilera, Martina McBride, Nicole Kidman, Marlee Matlin, Mariska Hargitay, the Honorable Judge Jeanine Pirro, Gretchen Carlson, Robin Givens, Denise Brown, Greg Behrendt, Camille Winbush, Victor Rivas Rivers, Leslie Morgan Steiner and many others who are joining our cause and will be announced later.

Academy Award Nominee Salma Hayek Pinault has proven herself as a prolific actress, producer, and director, in both film and television.  She received an Academy Award Nomination, a Golden Globe Nomination, a SAG Nomination, and a BAFTA Nomination for Best Actress for the title role in the movie Frida.  Salma is also noted for her social activism and is a passionate advocate for the prevention of domestic violence.  In 2006, The Hotline honored her at its Vital Link Awards ceremony as the Voices of Change recipient in recognition of her willingness to speak out publicly on domestic violence.

"I would like to see more people take a stand against domestic violence.  This is a terrible epidemic, and we must all work together to demand that no one has to be a victim of abuse," said Salma Hayek Pinault.  "We, as a society, believe strongly in safety and security, but too many women and children do not feel safe in their own homes.  The goal of this awareness campaign is to create a great movement helping victims of domestic violence and to make everyone understand, through education and positive messages, what Love Is."

The celebrities will use their high profiles to help The Hotline with the 15th Anniversary promotions and will raise national awareness about the 2.3 million people who have been helped by the Hotline.

The Honorable Judge Jeanine Pirro, Host of the Emmy Nominated syndicated "Judge Pirro" show, launched an educational initiative about domestic violence this season partnering with The Hotline to incorporate safety tips and action plans into her show.

"The public has to be educated about domestic violence. Every time a victim is ignored, or a criminal goes unpunished, or violence is excused, our society erodes further," said Judge Jeanine Pirro.

Victims are seeking help from The Hotline in response to Judge Pirro's show, and calls are expected to increase during the Love Is campaign as victims become more aware of the help that is available at 1-800-799- SAFE (7233) and 1-800-787-3224 (TTY), and the Salma PSA in Spanish will increase calls as more families become aware of the resources available to them through a call to The Hotline.

"The Hotline is open 24-hours a day, every day, with assistance in 170 language.

1-800-799-SAFE is a life-line for women, men, children and families in danger and offers victims and those who care about them help and hope," said Dyanne Purcell, CEO of The National Domestic Violence Hotline.  "I am honored to work with the 15th Anniversary Honorary Chair and Committee to raise awareness about this important issue that affects so many lives and to send the message that domestic violence is preventable."

The Hotline receives about 21,000 calls each month.  The special 15th Anniversary Honorary Committee will increase awareness that help is available, and this awareness offers opportunities to let more people know that domestic violence can and must be stopped.

About us:

The National Domestic Violence Hotline

The National Domestic Violence Hotline was established in 1996 as a component of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) passed by Congress and is supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The Hotline is a nonprofit organization providing crisis intervention, information and referral to victims of domestic violence, perpetrators, friends and families. The Hotline answers a variety of calls and is a resource for domestic violence advocates, government officials, law enforcement agencies and the general public.

http://www.thehotline.org/

SOURCE National Domestic Violence Hotline