As college students start turning 21 and start frequenting bars, certain scenarios tend to arise. Maybe it’s a girl who meets a guy in the bar who’s coming on a lot stronger than preferred: buying her drinks, consistently maintaining physical contact, and not taking no for an answer. Maybe a person’s Tinder match is not nearly as witty and charming as before, instead coming off as creepy or dangerous. Maybe it is a long-time friend who gets aggressive after a few drinks and who begins speaking in an inappropriate or threatening manner. Anyway, it happens. It happens in a dark bar, in a vulnerable state, and in a loud environment, and it is easy for any of these situations to go awry.

 

The No More Campaign strives to protect those who find themselves in dangerous situations like these by raising awareness and encouraging societal engagement in ending domestic violence and sexual assault before it begins. Started by the Lincolnshire Rape Crisis Center, one facet of the campaign revolves around the concept of a universal safe word at the bar. If a person feels as though he or she is in a dangerous or potentially threatening situation, he or she must simply ask for “Angela” at the bar. The bartender can then assess the situation and act accordingly. Whether this be calling an Uber for the individual who asked for Angela, removing the threat from the bar, or even calling the police, the goal remains the same: keep all individuals safe and prevent sexual assault. This safe word, then, gives individuals the opportunity to get out of a date gone wrong in a safe, discreet fashion.

 

Asking for Angela is not the only action the No More Campaign has taken in its quest to prevent sexual and domestic violence. They have also released a series of Public Service Announcements that both inform their audience while calling them to act if they see signs of sexual and domestic violence. They also just recently launched a sister campaign called “No Mas” which strives to engage Spanish-speaking individuals, their first step in globalizing their campaign.

 

Now, since its start in 2013, hundreds of national and local groups across the country take part in the No More Project, as well as thousands of organizations and universities. Overall, the No More Campaign offers simple, yet effective ways for all individuals to participate in the fight to end sexual and domestic violence.