October 1, 2015

It's October, and it's time to say NO MORE.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the Midwest Professional Basketball Association is once again teaming up with the Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence (CAEPV) and NO MORE, a movement launched in 2013 by leading anti-domestic violence groups, to continue the effort to end domestic violence and sexual assault.

"Nearly 13 million people are physically abused, raped or stalked by their partners every year," said Craig Fata, MPBA vice president.  "One in three women and one in four men experience partner violence in their lifetimes, and half of women and 20% of men have experienced some form of sexual violence in their lives, and in a civilized society, we can't allow those numbers to stay where they are.  We need to say NO MORE," Fata said.

In March, the MPBA and CAEPV/NO MORE joined forces for NO MORE Week to take a stand against domestic violence and sexual assault, with players and coaches taking time out during a game to hold up signs with the NO MORE message.

"We are glad to be continuing this effort with CAEPV and NO MORE," said C. Edward "Ed" Schumer, commissioner of the MPBA.  "We're training guys to grow as basketball players, but we also want them to grow as young men.  And we want them to serve as role models--during and after their playing careers--and show that domestic violence and sexual assault has no place in society," Schumer said.

In January, the MPBA and CAEPV/NO MORE announced a partnership aimed at offering education, outreach, and prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault.

“It is so important that the MPBA has taken on this important issue, not only during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but from the very first day of its very first season last year,” said Kim Wells, Executive Director of CAEPV.  “These players and the league are taking a leading role, showing that no matter the size and scope of your organization, you can make a difference,” Wells said.

Those interested in finding out more about domestic violence and sexual assault prevention, or in need of support resources, should visit www.CAEPV.org or www.NOMORE.org.  If you see, hear, or suspect someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1.