Philadelphia Phillies Say NO MORE to Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault in New Ad Campaign
PHILADELPHIA, June 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Phillies say NO MORE. NO MORE using violence as a solution. NO MORE hitting women and children. NO MORE putdowns, intimidation and harassment.
The Philadelphia Phillies and the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence have launched a new public service announcement campaign to say "NO MORE" to domestic and sexual violence. The Phillies' PSAs feature Phillies Manager Ryne Sandberg, left fielder Cody Asche, pitcher Chad Billingsley, catcher Carlos Ruiz and pitcher Jerome Williams.
While the Phillies PSAs are similar in style and content to the national NO MORE commercials featuring professional football players that aired during National Football League telecasts last fall, the goal here is different, said PCADV Executive Director Peg J. Dierkers.
"We're trying to change the conversation about what it means to be a man – being strong but without devaluing or objectifying women,'' Dierkers said. "The NFL is raising awareness about domestic violence. We want to raise awareness about being a different type of man.''
Dierkers added, "We are pleased that the Phillies are standing with us as we work to end domestic violence and sexual assault. Their ownership, management, coaches and players are lending their voices to the growing chorus of men in southeastern Pennsylvania who are saying, 'Being a man does not mean physically or abusing women; it means standing up and saying NO MORE when you witness domestic violence and sexual assault in your community.' ''
"The Phillies are proud to join forces with the PCADV to create greater awareness for this very serious subject," said Phillies Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Michael Stiles. "It is our hope that the Phillies involvement will help to educate men of all ages about healthy relationships and, as a result, fewer women will have to live in fear of domestic violence or sexual assault."
The Phillies PSAs will air on television during pre-game broadcasts and on the scoreboard in Citizens Bank Park during home games. PCADV will also share the PSAs on social media and broadcast them on radio and TV stations throughout eastern Pennsylvania. The Pittsburgh Pirates have recorded similar NO MORE PSAs that will air in the western half of the state.
In addition to the PSAs, the Phillies will host an anti-domestic violence petition-signing event on June 17 before their game against the Baltimore Orioles. Fans will be asked to sign the #FathersDayPledgePA banner, which asks men to step up and help end gender violence in southeastern PA.
Similar petition-signing events will be hosted by the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 13 and the Harrisburg Senators on June 16.
PCADV and its corporate sponsors will publish full-page advertisements in Philadelphia-area newspapers during Father's Day weekend to promote the signatures of those who have signed the petition.
Anyone who wishes to take the pledge may do so by signing an online petition at www.pasaysnomore.com.
Domestic violence is a dangerous problem across Pennsylvania. Over the past 10 years (2005-2014), 1,530 people in Pennsylvania have lost their lives to domestic violence, according to the PCADV 2014 Domestic Violence Fatality Report. In 2014 alone, 45 people died because of domestic violence in Philadelphia, Delaware, Chester, Bucks and Montgomery counties.
About PCADV
Founded in 1976, the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence is the oldest statewide domestic violence coalition in the nation. Each year it provides free and confidential services to nearly 100,000 victims of domestic violence, through a network of 60 community-based programs serving all 67 counties in the commonwealth. PCADV also promotes public awareness of domestic violence-related issues through its PA SAYS NO MORE campaign, which it operates in partnership with the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape. For more information, visit www.pcadv.org or www.pasaysnomore.com, or follow PCADV on Facebook and on Twitter, @pcadvorg.
SOURCE Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence
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