October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. YWCA Greater Cincinnati, the Bengals, TriHealth and Local 12 are teaming up to launch a bystander intervention campaign: "See Something – Do Something."
Public service announcements featuring Bengals radio analyst Dave Lapham, linebacker and punter will air on Local 12 throughout the month of October.
The Bengals game on Sunday, Oct. 8 against the Bills will focus on domestic violence awareness and prevention. Fans will see the PSA on the videoboard and on televisions located throughout Paul Brown Stadium. Posters featuring signs of domestic violence will be hung in restroom stalls with a message to call the YWCA Hotline at (513) 872-9259 if someone you know is experiencing domestic violence.
According to YWCA Greater Cincinnati President/CEO Barbara Perez, "This education and awareness campaign is so very important for our community since most people don't know that 1 in 3 women will experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime, and 1 in 5 men. And domestic violence is pervasive. It effects people from every socioeconomic range. We are working together to teach our community what each one of us can do about it."
"We are proud to partner with YWCA Greater Cincinnati, TriHealth and Local 12 on this important campaign," said Bengals executive vice president Katie Blackburn. "The entire community needs to do our part to ensure that no one in any family is hurt by domestic violence."
Local 12's Bengals Nation on Wednesday, Oct. 4 at Moerlein Lager House (6 p.m.) will be dedicated to raising awareness for domestic violence and will feature Kevin Huber and Bengals Mascot Who Dey as special guests. Fans who attend the taping will receive giveaways, including footballs, buttons and bookmarks with the message "See Something – Do Something."
"Domestic violence prevention matters to me because no one deserves to be put in that situation," said Huber. "One simple act can stop someone from being hurt. Everyone deserves the chance to live a long, happy life."
"TriHealth is proud to partner with the Cincinnati Bengals, YWCA and Local 12 on this very important campaign," said Jenn Hall, RN, Forensic Coordinator for TriHealth CARES (Center for Abuse and Rape Emergency Services). "This partnership is a great opportunity to increase the communities' awareness regarding issues of domestic violence. TriHealth's CARES program has been actively involved in educational offerings across the Cincinnati area regarding ways that victims in our community can be in charge of their own lives in safe, secure relationships."
"We at Local 12 are pleased that we can help convey the important message that domestic violence is not acceptable by partnering with YWCA Greater Cincinnati, TriHealth and the Cincinnati Bengals on the 'See Something – Do Something' campaign," said Jon Lawhead, Group Manager of the Sinclair Broadcast Group for Cincinnati/Dayton.
About the YWCA: YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. YWCA Greater Cincinnati has been serving the community for 149 years. YWCA Greater Cincinnati serves more than 34,000 men, women and their families each year through programs focused in 3 key pillars: empowerment & economic advancement, health & safety, and racial justice & inclusion. YWCA Greater Cincinnati is a United Way partner agency. For information call YWCA Greater Cincinnati at (513) 241-7090 or visit www.ywcacincinnati.org.
