National Leaders Convene to Find Solutions to End Domestic Violence

WASHINGTON, Oct. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) will honor a decade of answering calls and saving lives by launching the first-of-its-kind Decade for Change Summit. This unprecedented gathering of corporate, private and government leadership has been called together to develop a 10-year blueprint for change to significantly reduce domestic violence in America.

More than 100 summit panelists representing the public and private sectors, faith communities, domestic violence services, youth, state and federal officials, media, education, and medical/mental health professionals will be participating in a series of three Summit meetings scheduled throughout the fall. Participants in this groundbreaking leadership conference include:

* Meredith Wagner, Vice President of Public Affairs, Lifetime Television * Laysha Ward, Vice President, Community Relations, Target * Patrick Gaston, President, Verizon Foundation * Sheila Garcia, Associate Director, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops * Dr. Scott McConnell, Director, Center for Early Education and Development, University of Minnesota * Joanna Coles, Editor, Marie Claire Magazine

"Despite significant efforts over the past decade to address the problem of domestic violence in our country, 33 million American women continue to experience abuse every year," said Sheryl Cates, NDVH Chief Executive Officer. "As a society, we can and need to do more. The Summit provides the unique opportunity to not only develop viable solutions for prevention, but more importantly, it is the first step in creating a unified national movement to end domestic violence."

Over one-fourth of American women experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Since its inception in 1996, the Hotline has become the vital link to safety for victims of domestic violence and their families. Today, Hotline advocates answer an average of 17,000 calls per month from women, men and children across the nation. As public awareness grows about domestic violence, the Hotline has seen a significant increase in call volume, with calls to the Hotline increasing by 200 percent over the last ten years.

Following the day-long national Summit, the NDVH will host a celebratory gala at Union Station in honor of the Hotline's 10th anniversary and to recognize individual and corporate leadership in the movement to end domestic violence. Hosted by Court TV's Catherine Crier, this year's honorees include actress Salma Hayek, domestic abuse survivor Yvette Cade and Steve Largent, President and Chief Executive Officer of CTIA-The Wireless Foundation.

Target is the lead sponsor for both the Decade for Change Summit and the 10th Anniversary Gala, along with Allstate Insurance, Verizon, Curves and American Happenings.

"Target is proud to partner with the National Domestic Violence Hotline on the commemoration of the Hotline's tenth anniversary," said Laysha Ward, vice president, community relations, Target. "By working with the Hotline, we are helping to strengthen families, prevent violence and abuse and save lives."

About the NDVH

The National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) is a project of the Texas Council on Family Violence in Austin, Texas. NDVH provides empowerment-based crisis intervention, information and referral to victims of domestic violence and their friends and families. The Hotline serves as the only center in the nation with access to over 4,800 shelters and domestic violence programs across the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NDVH operates 24 hours each day, 365 days every year, in over 140 different languages, with a TTY line available for the Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing. All calls to NDVH are anonymous.

About Target

Minneapolis-based Target serves guests at 1,443 stores in 47 states nationwide by delivering today's best retail trends at affordable prices. Target is committed to providing guests with great design through innovative products, in-store experiences and community partnerships. Whether visiting a Target store or shopping online at Target.com, guests enjoy a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to thousands of unique and highly differentiated items. Target gives back more than $2 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs. Since opening its first store in 1962, Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs.

Contact: Laurie Parker 512.423.8857 lparker@echristianpr.com Meredith Vachon 512.363.6485 mvachon@echristianpr.com