Shocking Billboard Educateson the Harms of Pornography and Sexual Exploitation
I-20 Billboard Sends Message to Millions
WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 11, 2013) – Local leaders, in conjunction with Morality in Media, placed a billboard on I-20 as part of the Birmingham Porn Harms Awareness Campaign. The goal of this campaign is to raise awareness about the harms of pornography and sexual exploitation and to help direct those are struggling to available resources.
Melea Stephens, a marriage and family therapist in Birmingham, approached MIM about starting an awareness campaign after she heard countless stories from clients regarding the harms of pornography. She has worked with young children who became addicted to hardcore videos and images, warping their view of healthy and safe sexuality.
“For fifteen years I’ve worked in the trenches with families and experienced the numerous heartaches and losses associated with pornography. But I think the most heartbreaking part has been seeing children as young as six become addicted to porn after one or two chance exposures,” Stephens described. “These same children often act out what they have seen on younger siblings and playmates resulting in multiple layers of abuse and confusion. I’m just worried for our kids and something has to be done.”
“Most people understand that illicit drugs are dangerous and can destroy their life. Yet many of our citizens seem to be naive to the fact that porn is toxic material that can actually alter the brain, warp expectations, and destroy healthy bonding and intimacy,” said Stephens. “Pornography drives the growing demand for human trafficking in our city and around the world. I wanted people to realize that connection when they saw the billboard.”
Stephens has already received many comments about the billboard. “Initially people are alarmed by the picture, but it drives you to look at the facts. Pornography is a significant factor in the demoralization of society. Parents need to know what is going on in order to protect their children,” Stephens said.