Miss America Kira Kazantsev

The ability to bring about positive change might be as simple as painting the nail on your ring finger purple.

This one color of polish on that particular finger is the symbol Kira Kazantsev, Miss America 2015, sports as part of her efforts to end domestic violence.

“Purple is the awareness color for domestic violence,” stated the 24-year-old, who hails from New York. “Having that color on my nail is a real conversation starter, an opportunity to talk about domestic violence. I encourage everyone to visit #putthenailinit and post their photo or note their support. We’ve had about 2,000 people post photos of their purple nail and 22 million impressions from those postings on Instagram and Twitter.”

Focus on Domestic Violence

Ending domestic abuse for both women and men is the personal platform for Kira that she has shared this year during her reign as Miss America. The choice is driven by her passion for change and the fact that she was a victim of domestic violence by a former boyfriend. “I was pushed to a point where I realized this relationship was not for me,” she said. “It was then I began my healing process with the help of others. I want those who are the victims of domestic violence to know that you can be in control of your story and your life.” Armed with her personal platform and her new role as Miss America, Kira entered into the discussion when domestic violence needed an advocate on a national level.

Unfortunately, one of every four women is the victim of domestic violence. In addition, one of every seven men is also a victim of abuse, and it’s a plausible assumption that this number is actually higher because men are less likely to report their abuse. Kira hopes that by discussing this subject across all levels of society, people will realize domestic violence is not something that can be solved by female advocates alone. “We need men to speak up, too,” noted Kira. “They will not only add to the dialogue, but change it.”

Let’s Get Jazzed for Newhouse

Kira was in Kansas City recently to help support the Let’s Get Jazzed about Domestic Violence Prevention event that was held at the Arrowhead Stadium North Club. The fundraiser benefitted Newhouse, a non-profit with the mission to break the cycle of domestic violence by providing the tools that allow women to make positive choices and lead self-sufficient lives. Newhouse offers a safe haven for women and children fleeing the immediate threat of domestic violence. Each year nearly 1,000 women and children receive assistance from Newhouse.

The Let’s Get Jazzed event concept was developed four years ago by Kansas City Northland business owners Bruce and Dawn Cramer as a way to enjoy good music, food, conversation and entertainment while raising money for a great cause. This was the first year for Let’s Get Jazzed to focus on Newhouse, and more than $50,000 was raised. “We want to make people aware that these shelters need funding and, hopefully, we can move the organization away from simply existing grant to grant,” remarked Bruce. “We’re hoping we can have a new beginning for Newhouse and make improvements to it.”

“The evening is filled with great music and food, but we’re really focused on having a positive impact and helping women escape domestic violence,” revealed Dawn. “Newhouse is an inner city shelter and the biggest, yet it’s the least funded and most in need.”

Creating Awareness through Social Media

The financial demands are significant to counteract domestic violence as well as increase awareness about the problem, which has been the basis for Kira’s platform. She sees the importance that social media can add to enhance the conversation about domestic violence. She urges everyone to get involved and take action to end this tragedy. “October is Domestic Violence Month and an opportunity for everyone to advocate and change society’s view of domestic violence,” she said. “I encourage everyone to #VOWtoEndIt and share how they’re helping stop the violence against and the oppression of women.”

In September, Kira will don her Miss America tiara for the last time as she hands over the crown to the next winner. While the experience has been rewarding for this daughter of Russian immigrants, she also looks forward to focusing on her education and career. “The last year has been a whirlwind with a different city every day and logging some 20,000 miles a month. I’ve been the first Miss America since Phyllis George in 1971 to travel abroad with the USO,” she said.

“But I want people to remember I’m Kira in the role of Miss America, and I got here by being real and showing my heart. I’ve loved every second of it.” HLM

The national hotline number for domestic violence is 1-800-799-7233. For more information on domestic violence, visit the following websites: safehorizon.org; justice.gov/ovw/domestic-violence;  thehotline.org.