National Domestic Violence Hotline Announces 2005 Vital Link Honorees

National Domestic Violence Hotline Announces 2005 Vital Link Honorees

Corporate, Celebrity, and Political Advocates Recognized for Efforts to Combat Domestic Violence

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) recently announced the 2005 Vital Link award recipients honoring four national leaders for their efforts in building awareness of family violence prevention and services. This year's honorees are:

* The Honorable Joseph R. Biden, United States Senator, Vital Link Leadership for Change Award * Mariska Hargitay, actress, NBC's "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," Vital Link Voices for Change Award * Lifetime Television, Media for Change Award * Target, Vital Link Award

"Through their actions, their donation and their commitment to change the reality of domestic violence in America, these individuals and companies are shining examples of leadership through advocacy," said Sheryl Cates, NDVH Executive Director. "We applaud their efforts and recognize their significant contributions to ending domestic violence through the Vital Link awards."

The NDVH was created by the United States Congress following the passage of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), sponsored by Senator Biden in 1994. VAWA strengthened federal penalties for abusers, stalkers, and repeat sex offenders and provided nearly $4 billion for states to fund battered women's shelters, and train police, prosecutors and nurses. Earlier this month, the U.S. Senate renewed and strengthened the law with the passage of Senator Bidens' VAWA 2005. In recognition of his continued support, the NDVH is honoring Senator Biden with a 2005 Vital link award for spearheading the Connections Campaign, a unique public/private collaborative effort to ensure the Hotline is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, software and training.

"I'm honored to be selected as a Vital Link award recipient," Senator Biden said. "Across the country, millions of women take the first step to escape family violence by calling the Hotline. The Connections Campaign ensures that no woman gets a busy signal and that no victim's life is ever put on hold."

Since taking its first call in 1996, the Hotline has become the vital link to safety for victims of domestic violence and their families. The Hotline has answered over 1.3 million calls since its inception, and now receives 16,000 calls each month from women, men and children across the nation.

"We know that by working with the Hotline, we are helping directly to save lives," said Meredith Wagner, Executive Vice President, Lifetime Television. "We are honored to be a part of the vital links that the Hotline brings together to help thousands of women each year escape domestic violence."

The 2005 Vital Link recipients will be honored at an awards ceremony on November 1 in New York.

"Target is proud to partner with the National Domestic Violence Hotline to help strengthen families and prevent violence and abuse," said Laysha Ward, Vice President, Community Relations, Target. "We are honored to be recognized with the Vital Link Award."

About the NDVH

The National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) is a project of the Texas Council on Family Violence in Austin, Texas. NDVH provides 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 Lifetime Entertainment Services

LIFETIME is the leader in women's television and one of the top-rated basic cable television networks. A diverse, multi-media company, LIFETIME is committed to offering the highest quality entertainment and information programming, and advocating a wide range of issues affecting women and their families. LIFETIME Television, Lifetime Movie Network, Lifetime Real Women, Lifetime Radio for Women, Lifetime Home Entertainment and Lifetime Online, are part of LIFETIME Entertainment services, a 50/50 joint venture of The Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company.

About Target

Minneapolis-based Target serves guests at 1,400 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.

CONTACTS: Laurie Parker Elizabeth Christian & Associates Public Relations 512.472.9599 (office) 512.423.8857 (mobile)

Jitin Hingorani National Domestic Violence Hotline 512.685.6366 (office) 512.773.6679 (mobile)

Source: National Domestic Violence Hotline

CONTACT: Laurie Parker of Elizabeth Christian & Associates Public Relations, +1-512-472-9599, or mobile, +1-512-423-8857, for National Domestic Violence Hotline; or Jitin Hingorani of National Domestic Violence Hotline, +1-512-685-6366, or mobile, +1-512-773-6679

NOTE TO EDITORS: Reporters interested in speaking with either Cheryl Cates, with the National Domestic Violence Hotline, or any of the 2005 Vital Link Honorees, please contact Laurie Parker at 512-472-9599.

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