Research shows that following a disaster, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, not only does the rate of abuse increase, but the severity of abuse can increase as well. R&J client, Center for Hope and Safety, Bergen County’s only not-for-profit agency dedicated to helping adults and children rebuild their lives beyond domestic violence and abuse, is seeing just that. Calls to Center for Hope and Safety doubled during the pandemic and as a result of an increase need in safe housing option, the Center has increased their capacity. The Center offers a full spectrum of free services designed to address and support emotional, physical and financial healing for domestic violence victims and survivors including legal counsel, employment support services, and therapeutic programs for children.

Although Center for Hope and Safety hosts a Walk Together Against Domestic Violence fundraiser every year, the impact of COVID-19 made the need for support and services for those experiencing domestic abuse more critical than ever. To elevate the awareness of the life-saving services that the Center provides to those in need, R&J’s team conducted extensive media outreach leveraging our strong media relationships to promote the walk, which was being held both in-person and virtually. R&J’s non-for-profit team secured media coverage from online hyper local sources and statewide broadcast with feature pieces from both TAPinto Paramus and News 12 NJ.

Through R&J’s comprehensive media relations outreach, Center for Hope and Safety’s Walk and efforts to work to end domestic violence, show solidarity with survivors and to raise funds for services that not only support victims, but also educate the community about domestic abuse and prevention to help break the cycle of violence received approximately 170,625 impressions, with the News 12 coverage airing in five separate segments that were played 45 times over three days.

Check out the features below: