San Diego City Attorney Mara Elliott announced the release of a public service announcement Wednesday encouraging domestic violence victims to seek help, safety and justice.
The ad is intended to tell domestic violence victims and survivors that the San Diego Family Justice Center is a refuge for residents seeking help, regardless of immigration status.
Cox Communications and local San Diego news outlets KGTV10, KSDY50 and San Diego City TV will air the ad in English with Spanish subtitles throughout October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. NBC7 and Telemundo20 will air the ad from November to January.
“We know that family violence happens year-round, but Domestic Violence Awareness Month gives us an opportunity to shine a light on an issue that is often kept in the shadows,” Elliott said. “We are hopeful that with the increased visibility from our public awareness campaign, more victims will become survivors by seeking support at the San Diego Family Justice Center.”
A similar announcement prepared for radio will air on local iHeartMedia stations. The air time is valued at approximately $60,000, according to Elliott’s office. The Family Justice Center said it expects to see more traffic because of the city’s efforts.
“We are grateful to our media partners for generously donating their valued advertising time to let San Diegans who might be experiencing domestic violence know that they are not alone, and that the Family Justice Center is a safe place to get help,” said Family Justice Center Executive Director Yvette Lopez-Cooper.
Congress declared October Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989 and the federal government has since renewed the proclamation each year. The Family Justice Center encourages victims of domestic abuse to reach out by calling its toll-free line at (866) 933-4673.
–City News Service