Southwest PA Says NO MORE

Many videos of young people, who cannot possibly consent, are shared on PornHub. Some of them spoke up and fought back and it’s making a difference. Young men and women who had been exploited by Pornhub as children shared their stories, their documentation and their mortification in hopes that this might prevent other children from being abused. And now, guardedly, there’s hope that they’ve brought about change.

The New York Times is reporting on patterns of predatory sexual harassment by Michael Fuoco, president of the Pittsburgh local. Reports went uninvestigated at the Post-Gazette for years. He was so prolific in his harassment, that woman told me, he was like Pittsburgh’s Harvey Weinstein.

It is so important to amplify the voices of people affected by sexual harassment, abuse, and domestic violence. Hear the behind the scenes story about the NYT investigation into Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein’s abuse of Women, in this lecture by Jodi Kantor.

As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting dramatic surge in incidents of domestic violence, NO MORE created the #ListeningFromHome campaign. The effort encourages all bystanders who are safe at home to help domestic violence survivors who are not. Watch the new 30 second video and share it. https://nomore.org/listeningfromhome/

Today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Together, we can stop domestic violence. @NOMOREorg #COVID19 #IDEVAW #16Days #ListeningFromHome

One Week from Today: We're excited to partner with Pittsburgh Arts and Lectures to produce a virtual lecture from Jodi Kantor, who has been reporting on gender-issues for decades. Jodi will talk about the investigative journalism that exposed Harvey Weinstein's pattern of sexual harassment and abuse of women. In the weeks following her article in the New York Times, more than 80 other women came forward to disclose their experiences.

1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men experience severe abuse at the hands of a partner. That means that someone you know -- at work or in your personal life --may not be safe. One of our partners, STANDING FIRM: The Business Case to End Partner Violence, has released a series of new, free resources to help workplaces respond effectively to employees who are experiencing domestic violence, including a 10-minute training on domestic violence during COVID-19 and a toolkit of resources. Learn more in our November newsletter. https://mailchi.mp/southwestpasaysnomore/nov2020-7100801

Over many years, the Boy Scouts failed to take appropriate steps to protect boys (and girls) from sexual exploitation in its troops and camps. This abuse was perpetrated by adults in authority, positioned as mentors and role models. The impacts of sexual abuse on victims can last for many years, and are made worse when individuals and organizations deny what happened, cover it up, or fail to accept responsibility. Nearly 82,000 reports of abuse have now surfaced. This is a colossal failure of its most basic accountability to children and parents.

We express our gratitude today for all who have and continue to faithfully and selflessly serve our country. #VeteransDay2020

Sexual harassment is common in middle and high school, but less than 10% of it is reported. Why? Hear from some high school students: "I've never heard of anyone getting into trouble for sexual harassment..." If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual harassment at school or work, help is available. Call the school, your local rape crisis center, or the Women's Law Projects's MeTooPA helpline at 412-281-2892 for FREE confidential support. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8w7IlI3TQQ&feature=emb_logo

Do you remember the courage of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, who came forward two years ago because she felt she had a responsibility to inform the public about being assaulted by Brett Kavanaugh? Would you like to hear more about how those events unfolded and how they affected her? This is one of several topics that will be addressed in a virtual public lecture by Jodi Kantor, NYT journalist and co-author of She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story that Helped Ignite a Movement. Tickets are on sale now: https://pittsburghlectures.culturaldistrict.org//jodi-kant

During times of great uncertainty, it is normal to feel lost in fears and feelings. If you are struggling today, try these things: * Focus on your breathing, in and out * Be quiet and listen for three sounds that you can hear * Look around and notice three things with texture that you can see * Find two things that feel comforting to touch.... It might also help to take a break from news and social media, and reach out in a personal way to connect with someone you care about. (image description: fall leaves covered with frost, laying on the grass)