It’s Time for Our Community to Say “No More”
by Teresia Smith
Sometimes the hardest problems are the ones happening right next door.
Domestic and sexual violence have been part of our communities for far too long, often hidden behind closed doors.
But recent events remind us that this is not a problem we can ignore.
Support for victims is being reduced in many places due to budget cuts.
Violence continues at alarming rates. And shocking stories from survivors of high-profile cases show just how much harm can happen when people stay silent.
It’s easy to think abuse happens somewhere else, in big cities or distant towns. But the truth is, it happens here in Jackson County, too.
Survivors are not strangers. They are people we know. They sit beside us at work, attend the schools in our community, worship with us in church, cheer next to us at games, and live in houses just down the street.
Some smile every day while carrying experiences they rarely speak about.
Many stay silent because they are afraid, ashamed, or worried they won’t be believed.
Chances are, someone you know has been affected.
Maybe they’ve never told anyone. Many survivors stay quiet out of fear, shame, or worry that no one will believe them.
That silence is what lets the problem continue.
No two situations are the same. Some survivors face pressure from culture or family.
Others are trapped by money, housing, or job concerns. And sometimes, even the systems that are supposed to help simply don’t work.
These barriers make it harder for people to reach out when they need help most.
That’s why NO MORE Week matters.
It’s about bringing these hidden struggles into the light and showing survivors that they are not alone.
Each year, NO MORE Week unites people from every corner of society and around the world to stand together and say NO MORE to domestic and sexual violence.
This powerful week, March 2-8, shines a global spotlight on an epidemic that affects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men worldwide.
But NO MORE Week is about more than awareness.
It’s about action. When individuals, organizations, and communities rise up together to prevent and end abuse, our voices grow louder, our impact stronger, and our movement unstoppable.
It is about bringing conversations into the open instead of letting them stay hidden in the dark.
It reminds us that change does not only come from large organizations or world leaders.
It starts with ordinary people deciding to care and to act. It’s about our communities stepping up to say, “This stops here.”
You don’t have to do something huge to make a difference.
It can be as simple as gathering friends for a walk & talk, starting an honest conversation over coffee, attending a support group, or joining a local organization that helps survivors rebuild their lives.
Even speaking up on social media can help someone feel seen and understood. Every little bit can make a real difference for someone who feels alone.
Real change doesn’t start in Montgomery or Washington, D.C. It starts in communities like ours, with neighbors who care, friends who listen, and people willing to speak up.
Let’s stand with survivors. Share resources.
Talk about prevention. Show that our community values safety, respect, and dignity for everyone.
We still have a long way to go, but change begins when ordinary people decide silence is no longer acceptable. I’m asking you to join me in saying “No More.”
Because when our community comes together, even small steps can create lasting change.
Crisis Services of North Alabama offers an office in Jackson County where victims of sexual assault and/or intimate partner violence can receive free and confidential services.
You may reach our local office at 256.574.5826 or our 24/7HELPline at 256.716.1000. You are not alone.
