Media Resources for Battered Women's Programs
Why battered women's programs need to work with the media:
The news media is a vehicle to reach hundreds, thousands, or even millions of people with a specific message. Communities and decision-makers can be mobilized to take a specific action. For example, if a domestic violence program ahs received funding cuts, the media can be mobilized to get members of the community to contact their legislators about restoring the funding. Communities can be engaged to care about battered women's programs and the work the program does to end domestic violence.
Working with local reporters is a long-term project and relationship. Battered women's programs should not try to get media coverage simply for the sake of coverage. Media coverage should be about getting a specific message out to the community or getting the community to do something specific. One media event or one press release is not going to change hearts and minds in the community. There needs to be an ongoing relationship between battered women's programs, local media, and the community.
Planning Tools and Samples
Strategic Media Planning Guide
Media Checklist for Battered Women's Programs
Event Communications Plan Template
Safety Planning with Survivors Who Speak to the Media