A nationwide writing contest, “Say no to domestic violence” has been launched in Hanoi in a move to raise the entire society’s awareness of a happy, progressive and equal life.

Entries to the contest are the articles which condemn domestic violence and challenges to the prevention and control of domestic violence in Vietnam and commend organisations and individuals on their solutions and ways to prevent the issue. These articles must be printed in newspapers, posted on e-newspapers or broadcast from Aug. 1, 2009 to Jan. 15, 2011.

They should be send to “Gia dinh and Xa hoi” (Family and Society) newspaper at 138A Giang Vo Street , Ba Dinh district, Hanoi prior to Jan. 15, 2011.

The contest’s organising board said the contest will present one first prize, two second prizes, five third prizes and seven fourth prizes, apart from 10 scholarships for university journalism students.

The awards ceremony is expected to be held on Women’s International Day (March 8, 2011).

The contest is being jointly held by a number of local press agencies in association with the Ministry of Public Security’s Anti-Crime General Department and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime./.