KANSAS CITY, Mo. (February 8, 2021) — Safe in Harm’s Way, a domestic violence nonprofit is partnering with The Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA) to launch a nationwide awareness campaign for victims of domestic abuse. As the national trade association for the entire out of home (OOH) and DOOH media ecosystem, OAAA’s members will display digital advertisements across the country starting on February 14, St. Valentine’s Day.
Safe in Harm’s Way is an online platform made by survivors, for survivors of domestic abuse that connects victims with resources needed to leave their perpetrators and protect themselves. The platform includes a database of public conviction records and local shelters, empowering stories from survivors and corporate education seminars.
Isolation, oftentimes occurring early in a relationship, is a red flag for domestic violence. Abusers use isolation to control their victims, making outdoor advertising a uniquely important medium for reaching domestic violence victims. Abusers may limit the victim’s access to the outside world by any means necessary; confiscating or heavily monitoring cell phone activity, controlling who they communicate with or spend time with, prohibiting contact with family and friends, etc. However, one thing abusers cannot control is what their victims may see on roadways while driving.
“This campaign negates the isolation which abusers implement as a standard form of control. What someone sees as they drive throughout our country, as a source of assistance, can no longer be controlled,” said Caroline Hammond, Founder of Safe in Harm’s Way.
“We are honored to work with Safe in Harm’s Way on this campaign,” said Anna Bager, President and CEO, OAAA. “Out of home activations have incredible reach and resonance, which will be critical in sharing the information and vital resources that domestic abuse victims need to protect themselves and their families.”
Timing this Public Service Announcement around St. Valentine’s Day reveals a thought-provoking aspect of this campaign that gets others thinking differently about domestic violence. The feelings surrounding abusive relationships get progressively darker, mirroring the progression of abuse.
“Abusive relationships never start out as being abusive, they begin just like any other relationship would. They start with candy and flowers,” said Hammond. “Here, we’re not only looking after the battered woman, but we’re also bringing awareness to the other forms of domestic abuse that aren’t talked about, such as emotional or financial abuse. Once people can recognize and label abuse, based on these feelings, then action can be taken to move from victim to survivor.”
Throughout 2021, Safe in Harm’s Way will debut several out of home designs serving as a guiding light for those who are in abusive relationships. In addition to this domestic violence initiative, OAAA supports several other charitable causes, such as The Foundation for a Better Life “Pass It On” campaign, and the industry-wide #SeeALL movement pushing for multicultural representation and inclusivity in out of home ads and programming.
For more information or for media inquiries, reach out to Kim Ring at kim@ringrelations.com.
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