Tanya Young Williams, a Celebrity Spokesperson for the Hotline was a victim of domestic violence during her marriage to her estranged husband, former NBA All-Star Jayson Williams.  Tanya, an inspirational speaker, legal analyst for KTLA News in Los Angeles, and star of VH1’s Basketball Wives-LA, has been a vocal advocate for removing the stigmatization of the term “victim” as it relates to domestic violence.  Tanya stated, “Victims must understand that being the victim only means that they are the innocent party. Victim is not synonymous with weak. Being a victim does not define who you are, it defines who the abuser is.”  Recently, Tanya has been seen  on Anderson Cooper speaking about domestic violence, been featured in Huffingtonpost and AOL, and has launched a domestic violence awareness tour.  “The Hotline is honored to have an inspirational speaker such as Tanya Young Williams join the cause and help raise awareness about domestic violence,” said Dyanne Purcell, CEO of The National Domestic Violence Hotline.

The goals of the public service announcement and resources available through the NDVH, are to facilitate access to immediate help, encourage a greater public dialogue and encourage prevention of domestic violence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department’s National Institute of Justice both report that domestic abuse is not only physical or sexual; it also includes emotional, economic, or psychological intimidation or manipulation. “I’ve spoken to thousands of survivors and victims and I have learned that domestic violence is an epidemic.  I feel obligated to share my story to whomever will listen because I know that someone will be helped” says Young Williams. Studies have shown that domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of race, sexual orientation, or sex and continues to invade the public and private lives of women, men, and children regardless of education, income-level, or geography.

The PSA will generate a significant increase in the number of calls made to the Hotline.   The NDVH has received calls and helped millions of victims for over 15 years.  “The Hotline is open 24-hours a day, every day, with assistance in 170 languages. 1-800-799-SAFE is a life-line for women, men, children and families in danger and offers victims the resources they need to live a life free from violence” says Purcell.  The PSA, starring Tanya Young Williams will empower those who are suffering at the hands of domestic violence to make the call to the Hotline and get the help for which they are looking.  “What I value most about the services offered by the Hotline is that the action required by the victim is very simple - just pick up the phone. The Hotline will be whatever the caller needs and that’s why I am honored to act as a spokesperson on their behalf” says Young Williams.  

The Hotline answers a variety of calls and is a resource for domestic violence advocates, government officials, law enforcement agencies and the general public. http://www.thehotline.org