Discovering Safe Harbor

This semester I have been given the opportunity to work with a unique client as part of Communication 456: Strategic Communication for Social Change. Specifically, to develop projects that will meet the needs of the nonprofit group Safe Harbor. This private organization provides aid to victims of domestic violence in the upstate of South Carolina. Offering safe emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and community outreach and education, Safe Harbor is a place to start a new life. Women and their children seeking the assistance of this organization are able to reconcile the past with the present and make changes for a brighter future.

In order to develop an effective public relations campaign, it is important to research the mission driving the goals of the organization. Through investigation on websites such as http://www.domesticviolence.org/ and http://www.safeharborsc.org/, my own awareness of domestic violence was greatly increased as was my desire to assist the client in any way possible. I discovered the definition of domestic violence to be clarified as behaviors used by one person in a relationship to control the other. These behaviors can be criminal and include physical assault as well as emotional, psychological and financial abuse. Although anyone can be a victim, the majority consist of women and children.

Instances of abuse are sometimes wrongly perceived and glossed over as an accident, but it is an intentional act that often becomes a vicious cycle. Unfortunately, perpetrators of abuse can be difficult to identify in public. A person that seems good in the light has the power to inflict pain in the dark away from witnesses. Domestic violence is simply not always obvious, which is why society needs individuals who are willing to take a stand against crimes that are becoming far too common. An old African proverb says, “If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Organizations like Safe Harbor come alongside women to help them start a new life, to go with them to win a battle that is easily lost if fought alone.

In anticipation of working with Safe Harbor, there are several thoughts that I want to present to the staff. After researching domestic violence, it is apparent that the client can fulfill several functions by pursuing a visible and impactful presence through social media. First of all, an empowered community of online supporters will increase the numbers of donations and volunteers. In addition, it will further the agenda of raising awareness of domestic violence.

·     What is your main goal when using social media?

·     Is it more important that you raise awareness of domestic violence or increase publicity of your specific needs to obtain funding and volunteers?

·     In a publicity campaign, who is your target audience?

·    What public relations efforts have been successful in the past?

·    What types of events do you want to see take place in the future?

·    Ideas: Create a campaign to win money for a grant to be used for the needs of Safe Harbor. Plan a community outreach that educates and encourages others to donate and volunteer. Further develop the organization website and create new images and videos that can easily be uploaded for numerous viral hits.