The Tampa Bay Rays are starting the season taking on a serious issue -- domestic violence.

  • About 300 signs posted in women's restrooms at The Trop
  • One in three women victim of domestic abuse
  • Signs will be added to men's rooms
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The Rays and CASA (Community Action Stops Abuse) partnered to post flyers in bathrooms at Tropicana Field. The posters have crisis hotline numbers and information encouraging victims to speak out.

"Letting them know that they can reach out for help and that they can call CASA or the 800-number for help and that you will be listened to," said CASA Interim Director Suzanne Horn.

Some 300 signs urging victims not to live in fear are in women's restrooms at the stadium. The posters will also be added to the men's restrooms.

It's information Horn said could save lives.

"It’s kind of overwhelming to think that we could have that sort of impact and that it could be that meaningful,” said Jennifer Tran, Vice President of Human Resources and Organizational Engagement with the Rays. “But I’m very proud that we’re able to provide this resource."

It is a resource already grabbing people’s attention.

One person wrote on one of the signs: “Amen! As a survivor of over 20 years it was the best call I ever made! I’m free. Don’t be scared, Be safe!"

With CASA reporting one in three women are the victim of domestic abuse and one in four men, the Rays hope other teams will consider a similar campaign.

"I really hope that I can share this with some of my counterparts around the league and show them what a simple idea this was,” Tran said. “An easy thing to execute and roll out just to once again bring awareness of domestic violence."

The campaign has the potential to reach millions at baseball games and various other events at the Trop. The signs will stay up indefinitely.

"If you have your cell phone with you, you might even be able to make the call right there and that way you’re in a safe place and you’ve privately made the call and you’ve started your first step," said Horn.

It's your first step, Horn hopes, to speaking out and getting help.