Domestic Violence Organization Launches National Campaign to Help End Cycle of Violence by Focusing on Childhood Exposure

NEW YORK, Oct. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Makers of Memories Foundation began a bold new campaign today to end the problem of domestic violence through a comprehensive Action Plan that focuses on children impacted by domestic violence and adults who were raised in homes with violence and are still living with its effects. The culmination of five years of research, consultation and planning, the Action Plan is designed to help end the cycle of domestic violence through awareness, education and intervention.

Described by UNICEF as "one of the most damaging, unaddressed human rights violations in the world today," domestic violence impacts 3 million children in the U.S. and 275 million children worldwide each year. There are 40 million American adults who experienced domestic violence in childhood and still live with its damaging effects. Research shows the impacts of childhood exposure are so severe that affected individuals meet the clinical criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder.

To achieve transformational change, these children and adults must discard the self-destructive falsehoods they learned and internalized from their experiences with violence and "make new memories," memories that change their self-concept and behaviors and lead them to visualize and achieve a compelling future. The Action Plan begins with awareness of the problem and possible solutions.  During Domestic Violence Awareness Month two prominent events have been scheduled to engage the public:

• An Oct. 12 Congressional Briefing on Capitol Hill to educate policy makers about the size and scope of the problem
• An appearance by Makers of Memories founder Brian F. Martin on a special episode of the "Dr. Phil" show that focuses on children impacted by domestic violence

"We know the only way to stop the cycle of domestic violence is to focus on affected children and the adults who were these children," said Brian F. Martin, founder and chairman of The Makers of Memories Foundation. "Studies show that without help up to three-quarters of these children will grow up to repeat the cycle.  The cycle needs to be stopped with a series of education and intervention programs focused on these children and the adults who were these children.  The human, social and financial costs of allowing this problem to persist are staggering."  

An esteemed marketing and media entrepreneur, Martin is the founder of Brand Connections, one of the largest targeted media and marketing companies in the U.S.  Martin's personal history with domestic violence compelled him to create The Makers of Memories Foundation. He brings tremendous business expertise and acumen to the organization.

"We have developed a set of innovative initiatives to build awareness about the problem of childhood exposure to domestic violence and bring positive change to affected individuals.  These initiatives include a documentary film, two book projects, a national advocacy program and a pioneering prevention program to help vulnerable children," said Elliot Dee, Makers of Memories Foundation's Director of Programs.

For more information or to arrange interviews, contact Jill Nannery at The TASC Group: Phone: 646-723-4344; Email: [email protected].

About The Makers of Memories Foundation:

The Makers of Memories Foundation works to end the cycle of domestic violence through an innovative national campaign focused on the children who are being impacted as well as adults who experienced violence when they were young and are still living with the effects. Learn more at makersofmemories.org.

Media contact: Jill Nannery, The TASC Group
646-723-4344; [email protected]

SOURCE The Makers of Memories Foundation