OAAA Campaign Targets Isolated Victims of Domestic Abuse

Russ Curry, Ministry of New Media

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 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.

Caroline Hammond, Founder of Safe in Harm’s Way told us “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”.

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.

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.


Leave a Reply