As we note national NO MORE Week, a new series of bus signs featuring local champions, speaking particularly to men, teens and youth and our Spanish speaking residents, is rolling on Memphis streets.
The messages from Memphis Says NO MORE also will speak specifically against verbal abuse, a scourge that needs more attention and more action.
Our champions this time are teen leader Christian Fuentes, Rev. Keith Norman and county Magistrate Shayla Purifoy.
Our messaging includes phrases in Spanish as we continue to declare:
Memphis Says NO MORE Not My Problem
Memphis Says NO MORE Why Didn’t She Leave?
Memphis Says NO MORE She Asked for It
These buses will travel the city for at least five months – continuing the effort to change attitudes, break silence and connect survivors to help and resources.
Sexual abuse survivor and activist Devin Dearmore spoke at the press conference announcing the new signage. Recounting frightening harassment and abuse she endured in a local high school, she said, “I am so proud to see this messaging presented in the hope that survivors and allies alike may see them and remember that it takes a village to tackle this issue…When I see these buses, I see words that I did not see for a long time: ‘we believe you’ and this is NOT normal."
MSNM coordinator Deborah Clubb said, “We are helping our community change attitudes and behavior toward these crimes, those who are hurt and those who batter and rape. “Silence perpetuates these crimes. It happens so often that violence becomes normal and accepted.”
Memphis Says NO MORE aims to help people recognize signs of abuse and feel comfortable discussing it openly so each of us can become equipped to help any who need help.
In June 2015 the Memphis Sexual Assault Kit Taskforce and the Memphis Area Women’s Council launched the local NO MORE campaign to unite our community in the effort to end domestic violence and sexual assault.
Four star players from the Memphis Grizzlies - Tony Allen, Mike Conley, Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph - joined the effort in 2016 on MATA buses and on posters all around the city, in the airport, police stations, restaurants and more.
Contact us for posters, cards, buttons and stickers – all which guide users to the MSNM website.
Contact us also for presentations at schools or workplaces. We have trained hundreds of managers, supervisors and business owners how to respond when domestic violence impacts employees or colleagues. We have spoken out on consent and disclosure around sexual assault – to help our young people make better choices. We would love to train hundreds more!
