Statement from National Domestic Violence Hotline on Coverage of the Death of O.J. Simpson

For Release on April 12, 2024

With the passing of OJ Simpson, the National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline) acknowledges there will be significant media coverage and conversations related to his life, football career, and domestic violence.

“We continue to stand with courageous survivors who navigate difficult situations every day,” said Katie Ray-Jones, the Chief Executive Officer of The Hotline. “We recognize the headlines and media coverage surrounding the death of O.J. Simpson may trigger some and encourage those impacted to practice self-care and reach out to The Hotline if they need support. We also call on media outlets to consider survivor-centric reporting practices.”

We know anecdotally that the Simpson case and the overwhelming media coverage at the time encouraged many survivors of relationship abuse, who saw their own experiences in the coverage,  to reach out for support to domestic violence programs and shelters, some for the first time ever. This increase in need and demand for better support for victims paved the way for the federal government to respond with the Violence Against Women Act, which originally passed in 1994 and funded the creation of the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

During The Hotline’s first year of operations in 1996, we answered roughly 75,000 calls from survivors, friends and family members, and advocates. In 2023, that number grew to a stunning 419,685 calls, chats, and text messages. The exponential increase demonstrates the skyrocketing need among survivors for compassionate and non-judgmental advocacy as well as the pervasiveness of domestic violence in the US.

The Hotline is here 24/7 for all those impacted by domestic violence needing support. We stand with survivors now and always.

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The National Domestic Violence Hotline envisions a world where all relationships are positive, healthy, and free from violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing relationship abuse in any form, help is available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides free, confidential support 24/7/365. Text START to 88788, call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or chat with us online at TheHotline.org. You are not alone.