October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time when communities across the state and country focus on raising visibility and creating change.  Domestic violence thrives when communities are silent, so this month is about ending that silence and encouraging everyone to take a stand.

In Hawai‘i, there are many local activities talking place to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month. We invite you to read about some of them and check out even more from Hawai‘i Says NO MORE.

Be a Hawai‘i Says NO MORE Ally

Hawai‘i Says NO MORE has launched a new Ally campaign to engage supporters from across the state. A Hawai‘i Says NO MORE Ally is anyone who supports the initiative and is willing to take a stand to end domestic violence and sexual assault.

Show your support for Hawai‘i Says NO MORE and sign up as an individual or organizational/business Ally today by following the simple steps below:

Step1: Visit http://hawaiisaysnomore.org/ally.

Step 2: Follow the links to enter your info.

Step 3: That’s it! Your information will be posted on the Ally Map in about 2 – 3 business days.

Have questions or issues? Send an email to info@hawaiisaysnomore.org. To get involved in ending domestic violence and sexual assault, download the Hawai‘i Says NO MORE Toolkit.

You're Invited: The Mask You Live In

In observance of Domestic Violence awareness Month and as part of our continuing TALK STORY series, Joyful Heart is co-sponsoring two screenings of the new breakthrough film The Mask You Live In, a breakthrough documentary film that follows young men and boys as they struggle to negotiate America's narrow definition of masculinity.

The first screening was held in Honolulu on Tuesday, October 13  at The ARTS at Marks Garage, in partnership with Hawai‘i Women in Filmmaking.  On Wednesday, November 4 at 5:15 pm, we’re partnering with the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo to host another screening with the UH Hilo’s Student Health & Wellness Programs, Men of Strength, Diversity Committee and the Women’s Center. 

Both events are free in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and will feature a discussion after each screening. For details about each event, download the fliers. 

Catch the NO MORE PSAs on Hawaii News Now

Joyful Heart and Hawaii News Now have teamed up to air NO MORE PSAs promoting Hawai‘i Says NO MORE. The PSAs will start airing this week and run throughout the month of October. Hawaii News Now General Manager, Rick Glangiardi, aired a Local Connection editorial expressing support for the month's activities and the Ally campaign. Noriko Namaki, CEO of the YWCA of O‘ahu, and Ryan Kusumoto, President and CEO of Parents And Children Together, appeared on Hawaii News Now Sunrise to promote the airing of the PSAs and the activities for the month.

Make Some Joyful Noise Event a Success 

Continuing its long-standing commitment to ending domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse, Neiman Marcus Honolulu hosted the Make Some Joyful Noise event in its Cusp department on September 17 – 20 to benefit the Joyful Heart's work in Hawai‘i. The event began with a Me&Ro Jewelry trunk show and included an exciting fashion display by celebrity stylists Jordan Lane and Meg Chapman.

Read the full recap and check out the photos here.

Finally, if you can, we invite you to make a small contribution to Joyful Heart in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. And remember, if you’re donating from Hawai‘i, know that Joyful Heart is committed to reinvesting all funds raised in Hawai‘i into local programming and partnerships.