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10/07/2009

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Working in nonprofit communications, I spend a lot of time thinking about how to motivate people to create change in the world.

Since the desired effects of advertisements like these is getting people to do the right thing, the ads that are consistently judged to be the most effective are those that show people doing the right thing.

The ad in question shows people doing the wrong thing. (She goes into the apartment with the abusive partner; he beats his partner.)

A more effective ad would be one that shows someone doing the right thing--a woman fleeing an abusive situation into the safety of an organization that helps victims of domestic violence, for example, or one that shows how a victim of domestic violence was able to turn her life around with the help of such an organization. Such a message can quickly be bridged to the fact that organizations are supported by the donations and volunteer work of people like you, the viewer.

An effective ad addresses the problem and shows what can be done to help, leaving potential donors, volunteers, or potential EX domestic violence victims feeling hope in the future, not despair in the present.

I completely agree with the statement that "If you're that upset by violence against women, work harder to stop it from happening," and I don't think that the ad goes "too far." I just don't think it goes far enough in telling victims of domestic abuse how to get help or in telling potential activists what they can do to help.

An effective nonprofit ad/PSA should not leave viewers feeling horrified and hopeless; it should leave them with a clear idea of what they can do to help make a bad situation better.

I hadn't thought about it that way, Katie. Thank you so much. That perspective makes great sense, and I really appreciate it.

NO WAY DOES IT GO TOO FAR!!! I was a victim of domestic violence & I felt TERRIBLY ALONE! Until I joined Al-Anon & met other women who went through some of the same horrific things I went through (I chose Al-Anon because he's an alcoholic)! I think ads, blogs, etc., can't say ENOUGH about it all! I say KUDOS to ANYONE who brings it to the public's attention!!

Laurel,
What a great post and a great conversation above. I think it doesn't go too far - we should feel horrified. And act. Thanks for participating in The Women's Fund Blogging Against Violence 2009

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