The Zonta Club of Birmingham began its annual Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign with a billboard on I-65. For eight weeks, it will publicize that women can get help by calling 1-800-799-7233.

This is a project of particular importance in the Birmingham area because domestic violence shelters have been challenged to provide a safe place to those abused, while also protecting against COVID-19. The club is dedicated to assisting the YWCA of Central Alabama with their efforts to address this problem that affects one in three women.

Lauren Thompson, director of domestic violence services at the YWCA Central Alabama, said facilities are pushed to the limit. Housing is full because clients who desperately need to get out of a situation have to be isolated from Coronavirus and cannot share a room with someone who might be contagious. Hotels are filling the void.