UMNS photo illustration by Ronny Perry
NASHVILLE, Tenn.––In an effort to support wives, sisters, daughters and women around the world, leaders of UM Men organizations are encouraged to call their local NBC affiliate to request the showing of a program related to domestic violence.
As a part of an effort to raise awareness in local congregations about the issue of domestic violence, UM Men are cooperating with UM Women in encouraging NBC stations to carry an hour-long documentary titled “I Believe You: Faiths' Response to Intimate Partner Violence.”
The documentary will begin airing on NBC affiliates September 23, 2012, and will be available for air through March 2013. Call your local NBC affiliate and make sure I Believe You airs often during prime time viewing hours.
I Believe You will go a long way in giving voice to the stories of survivors, making clear the assistance faith groups can provide and offering encouragement and direction for women still trapped in abusive relationships.
Rich Peck, a staff member of UM Men has prepared a “I Believe You” discussion guide which is available on this website under UM Men resources.
How to Contact Your NBC Station
• Find your local NBC station by checking your local listings.
• Call your local NBC station to express your interest in I Believe You: Faiths' Response to Intimate Partner Violence.
• Meet with the NBC program director to let him or her know that this documentary will have a positive impact in the community.
• If possible, join funds with other groups to offer to buy time in the program or to buy the time slot so that the station will air the program.
• After your local station airs the program, let them know you appreciated it by sending a note of thanks. Be specific, including comments from viewers.
About I Believe You
United Methodist Women partnered with Presbyterian Women, the Evangelical Church in America, the New York Board of Rabbis and the Islamic Society of North America. The resulting documentary explores the stories of women who have experienced abuse and the programs that faith groups have created to address their needs.
Harriett Jane Olson, deputy general secretary of United Methodist Women, Dr. Traci West, author of Wounds of the Spirit: Black Women, Violence, and Racism, and the Rev. Barbara Certa-Werner, executive director of Harbor House speak to these ministries.