New PSA ‘1 is 2 Many’ Campaign On Sexual Assault

Gail Chiasson, North American Editor

A new public service announcement that will be appearing nationwide in Regal Entertainment Group and Cinemark movie theaters, was launched by U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden, with the aim of encouraging men to speak up and step in if they see someone in danger of being sexually assaulted.

The PSA is being launched in coordination with the ‘1 is 2 Many’ campaign and the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault. While anyone can be a victim of sexual assault, some are more at risk than others: one in five women is sexually assaulted while in college, and young women, ages 16 to 24, experience the highest rates of sexual violence at the hands of someone they know.

The PSA, produced by the White House, features several film and television actors, President Barack Obama, and Vice-President Biden. It encourages men to be part of the solution by delivering a simple message: “If she doesn’t consent – or can’t consent – it’s a …..and if you see sexual assault happening, help her – don’t blame her – and speak up.”

In addition to the movie theatre screens, the PSA will air over NCM Media Networks’ Lobby Entertainment Network and in movie theaters on military installations and ships underway worldwide starting in May. Joining the President and Vice President in the PSA are actors: Daniel Craig, Seth Meyers, Benicio Del Toro, Steve Carell and Dulé Hill.

“This PSA is about reaching out to people and letting them know that there is an epidemic of sexual assaults,” says Del Toro. “Those who commit sexual assaults will be condemned, whoever they are. The PSA also encourages any witness to such acts to speak up, do the right thing, and be a hero. It is about protecting and respecting our loved ones – our mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, and girlfriends.”

Hill says, “One sexual assault is one too many. My desire for this PSA is that it will heighten awareness and in turn be a catalyst for more prevention.”

“The message is clear and simple: everyone has a responsibility,” says Craig. “There are no exceptions. There are no excuses. Please watch it and pass it on.”


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