Research Into Action Guide 2014

Move to End Violence is a 10-year initiative of the NoVo Foundation designed to strengthen our nation’s collective capacity to end violence against girls and women in the United States. As part of this work, we fund research to expand the movement’s understanding of what captures attention and motivates action on issues related to violence against girls and women. In 2012, we conducted a significant study of public opinion on violence against girls and women to establish a baseline for tracking changes in attitudes over time. We learned that people are supportive of ending violence against girls and women because they believe it’s the right thing to do, but their support—and willingness to act—is fairly passive.

In 2014, we conducted a second round of research that included focus groups and an online survey to better understand what we as a movement can do to inspire stronger support that translates into action.1 In addition, we designed this round to reflect broad diversity, including a look at voters, nonvoters, people who are highly interested in civic and political issues (i.e., the “attentive public” in research lingo), and the African American, Asian and Pacific Islander, Latino/a, Native American, and White communities. Every day, you are working to educate people about violence against girls and women and encouraging them to take action.

This guide includes the top findings and recommendations from the latest research that you can use immediately in your work, and is organized around the following key concepts: People care and have hope that violence can be stopped. People want to help but barriers get in the way. Make it easier for people to get involved. Tell them specifically how they can help. Give them the support they need to act. Meet people where they are today.