Fort Lauderdale, FL (July 11, 2017) – Ten years ago this October, former Bollywood actress Somy Ali walked away from glitz and glam and founded No More Tears, a nonprofit organization that has helped more than 3,000 of victims of domestic violence and human and sex trafficking find a way out since its founding in 2006.
“Growing up in Pakistan and India, I saw abuse all around me,” Ali said. “Being a victim of abuse myself, I wanted to start No More Tears so I could help everyone from victims of domestic violence to women who had been sold into sex slavery. Miami ranks No. 3 for human and sex trafficking in the U.S., so this is an issue that deeply affects South Florida.”
She also does not take a salary working with No More Tears; everyone who helps her is a volunteer, and every donation received goes to the nonprofit’s victims’ assistance programs. Each day Ali responds to 10 to 15 abuse-related second-responder calls from law enforcement and FBI officials in South Florida.
Born in Karachi, Pakistan, Somy Ali moved to the Broward County area when she was 12. She then moved to India to pursue a career in Bollywood. While there, she starred in 10 films, her most famous being Anth (1993), and was engaged to actor Salman Khan. She came back to the U.S. at age 25 and received her degree in psychology from Nova Southeastern University, followed by a master’s degree in communications from the University of Miami. It was here that she decided to start No More Tears.
Ali also has a network of professionals who aid victims, among these of which are a gynecologist, an immigration attorney, a counselor and a dentist. Not only does she help get the victims out of their abusive situations, she also helps them attend school, learn skills and eventually begin a career. Ali will often accompany victims to doctor’s appointments as well.
“Running No More Tears is therapeutic for me,” Ali said. “Victims of domestic abuse do not have to put up with it and they can lead a better life. We give them tools; we teach them how to fish.”
No More Tears will be holding the 2nd Annual Heart in Hand Awards on Sunday, October 1, to honor women who have aided in human trafficking awareness. Honorees Christina Getty, Eva Hughes, Kathryn Mikesell, Meg Daly, and Yolanda Berkowitz, have been chosen for their leadership and contributions in the following categories: Activist, Artist, Philanthropist, Influencer and Pioneer.
To learn more about No More Tears and how you can help, visit www.nomoretearsusa.org or call (954) 324-7669.