FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Media Relations
June 16, 2003 202-268-2155
Stamp Release No. 029
www.usps.com

‘STOP FAMILY VIOLENCE’ FUNDRAISING STAMP UNVEILED
Nation’s Third Semipostal to be Issued in November

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service has
unveiled the design of a new fundraising stamp supporting
the national fight against domestic violence.

The Stop Family Violence semipostal was unveiled
Saturday, June 14, at the Senator Ben Nighthorse
Campbell Auditorium at the Rita Bass Trauma &
Education Institute of Denver Health in Denver, Colo. The
stamp will be issued in November 2003.

The price of the self-adhesive, non-denominated
semipostal stamp will be 45 cents. As a semipostal, it is
valid for postage at the First-Class first-ounce letter rate in
effect at the time of purchase, with the difference between the sales price of the stamp
and the underlying postage consisting of a tax-deductible contribution.
Funds raised in connection with sales of the stamp, net of the Postal Service’s
reasonable costs, will be transferred to the Department of Health and Human Services in
accordance with the provisions of the Stamp Out Domestic Violence Act of 2001, which
was passed by the 107th Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush on
Nov. 12, 2001.

“The Stop Family Violence semipostal will allow every American to contribute to a
nationwide fight against domestic violence,” said Donna Peak, Vice President, Finance,
Controller, for the Postal Service, who unveiled the stamp. “By using this stamp on their
cards and letters, our customers will also have an opportunity to bring before the public
eye a problem that is too often ignored.”

Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colo.) said, “When I was growing up few saw
violence in the home as a crime. As a young deputy sheriff, I learned that people thought
of it as a private matter. Today we know that family violence is not a private family matter
— it is a serious crime. Understanding firsthand the effects of family violence, I have
made anti-violence legislation a priority throughout my years in Congress. In my most
recent effort to raise awareness of family violence, I introduced the amendment that later
became the Stamp Out Family Violence Act of 2001.”

Joining Peak and Campbell at the unveiling ceremony were Rep. Bob Beauprez
(R-Colo.); Dr. Cristina Beato, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health, U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services; Patricia A. Gabow, M.D., Chief Executive
Officer and Medical Director, Denver Health; Diane Stuart, acting Director, Office on
Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice; Debbie Sanders, Tri-Lake Health
Advocacy Partnership; Rita Smith, executive director, National Coalition Against Domestic
Violence; Trish Thibado, executive director, Colorado Coalition Against Domestic
Violence; and Lloyd Wilkinson, Denver Postmaster.

Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson said, “The drawing on
this stamp is a poignant reminder that children who witness family violence are
profoundly affected by it. Every time you buy one of these stamps you will be supporting
federal programs that help battered women and their children. I commend Senator
Campbell and those who have worked so hard to reach out to victims of family violence in
our country.”

The effects of domestic violence are felt regardless of age, race or economic
status. In 1999, according to a report issued by the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, in
more than 790,000 crimes of intimate violence, women accounted for 85 percent of the
victims. Such cases cost the nation billions of dollars annually in medical expenses,
police and court costs, shelters and foster care, sick leave, absenteeism and nonproductivity.
Studies suggest children who witness domestic violence are more apt to develop
physical and behavioral problems including depression, anxiety and violence toward
peers. They are also more likely to attempt suicide, abuse alcohol or drugs or run away
from home.

For the Stop Family Violence semipostal, art director Carl T. Herrman selected
artwork by a young girl that expresses the pain and sadness caused by domestic
violence. Her work was photographed by Philip Channing, a photographer based in
California. To see the design, visit the Postal Service Web site and open the online
version of this press release at
www.usps.com/communications/news/stamps/welcome.htm.

The Breast Cancer Research and Heroes of 2001 semipostals were the first two
semipostals issued in the U.S. Both are available at post offices, by toll-free phone order
at 1 800 STAMP-24 and online at the Postal Store at www.usps.com/shop.

Current U.S. stamps, as well as a free comprehensive catalog, are available at the
toll-free number. In addition, a selection of stamps and other philatelic items are available
at the online Postal Store.

Since 1775, the U.S. Postal Service has connected friends, families, neighbors and businesses by mail. It is
an independent federal agency that visits 141 million homes and businesses every day and is the only
service provider to deliver to every address in the nation. The Postal Service receives no taxpayer dollars
for routine operations, but derives its operating revenues solely from the sale of postage, products and
services. With annual revenues of more than $66 billion, it is the world’s leading provider of mail and
delivery services, offering some of the most affordable postage rates in the world. The Postal Service
delivers more than 43 percent of the world’s mail volume—some 203 billion letters, advertisements,
newspapers, magazines and packages a year—and serves 7 million customers each day at its 38,000 retail
locations nationwide.

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