Mu Tau Mu of Alpha Chi Omega

Farrah Fawcett will long be remembered for her iconic haircut, her red bathing suit, and her battle with cancer. But we hope her most enduring legacy will be as an advocate for domestic violence awareness.

From her portrayal of Francine Hughes in the landmark film The Burning Bed to the many years she devoted to improving conditions for victims of domestic violence, Farrah worked continuously for the cause right up to the end, leaving bequests to domestic violence shelters in her will.

In her honor we encourage you to join the National Domestic Violence Hotline Million Voices campaign http://www.ndvh.org/join/ and follow @MillionVoices on twitter. For additional ways see (link to 6/30 post). Keep reading to learn more about Farrah’s legacy:

Farrah’s 1984 film The Burning Bed changed the way America thought about battered women… when it aired as a movie of the week (during one of the first ever National Domestic Violence Weeks), it was the first time family violence had appeared on television. It helped the public see family violence as a public issue, in a time when it had been private, behind closed doors, a personal issue. It was first film ever to include a nationwide 800 number for people who needed help.

The Burning Bed truly was Farrah’s project. She worked to get the film produced; she recruited the director. She visited battered women’s shelters and interviewed victims to aid in her portrayal of Francine Hughes. Farrah risked everything, as one of the most beautiful women on the planet, to star in an unglamorous film in which she spent most of it beaten and bruised. Her risk paid off: The film was critically acclaimed, winning the Golden Globe. Farrah was nominated for an Emmy and a Golden Globe. The Burning Bed was the most-watched TV movie of the year

In her personal life, Farrah’s volunteer work on behalf of domestic violence awareness included serving on the board of the National Advisory Council for The National Domestic Violence Hotline, participating in panel discussions on domestic violence for the Show Coalition, speaking on behalf of the cause, and being a part of events like the Humanitarian Awards in Media.

So today, we ask you to:

* Remember Farrah’s legacy as an advocate for domestic violence awareness

*be grateful for the pioneering work

* and feel hope because Farrah’s efforts made a difference for many women.

In Farrah's honor, join the National Domestic Violence Hotline Million Voices campaign – it’s FREE and easy http://www.ndvh.org/join/!

Rest in Peace Farrah Fawcett (February 2, 1947 – June 25, 2009)

We welcome your comments.