"The frequency of sexual assault is increasing at an alarming rate in Texas," said Annette Burrhus-Clay, TAASA executive director. "Nearly 2 million adult Texans have been sexually assaulted - almost 13 percent of Texas residents. The ‘Speak Up. Speak Out.’ campaign will focus attention on the issue, increasing visibility for our member agency services and calling on Texans to take responsibility for ending sexual assault." Ms. Burrhus-Clay continued, "‘Speak Up. Speak Out.’ is particularly targeted to teens, as our research shows that this group is the most uninformed about the issue - yet, sadly, it is the one most affected by sexual assault. Most victims are females 18 years old and younger. At the same time, the campaign’s reach will be broad in order to inform Texans about the need to stop the violence and learn the facts about sexual assault."

"Speak Up. Speak Out." Campaign Elements The "Speak Up. Speak Out." campaign includes television, radio and print public service advertisements. Each ad features an actual Texas survivor of sexual assault, talking about his or her personal story. However, their messages are about hope and healing - survival and recovery, rather than victimization - reinforcing the campaign’s goal to inform the public about sexual assault crisis services and to encourage dialogue across Texas. Ads continue to run in English and Spanish

Twelve women and one man, all Texas survivors of sexual assault, are lending their voices and stories to the campaign. Bridget Kelly, Maggie Watson, Eunice Ruiz, Lisa Federer, Lorin Leatherwood, Rexanne Nelson, Vik Adam and Christine Cramer are featured in television spots. Texans can hear Bridget, Eunice, Maggie and Cathy Ransom on the radio and see Maggie, Eunice, Cathy, Vik, Christine, Dot Foy, Robin Reed, LaDacher Jackson and Gina Cotroneo’s stories in printed materials.

Additional campaign elements include distributing education materials, assistance in mobilizing member agencies, conducting targeted outreach to schools, initiating additional peer-to-peer training, coalition-building, and securing corporate and media partnerships.

Background on "Speak Up. Speak Out." In 2001, TAASA received a $2 million, two-year grant from the Office of the Attorney General’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Crisis Services Program. The grant was awarded to identify Texans’ attitudes towards sexual assault and develop a public awareness campaign around the issue. Materials for the "Speak Up. Speak Out." campaign were conceived, designed, developed and produced as a pro bono program by the Dallas-based Temerlin McClain advertising agency. Broadcast production services were donated by Moxie Pictures - Bob Purman, Director; Mad River Post; Fast Cuts; The Filmworkers Club; and Clear Channel Communications. Photographic print services were donated by Stewart Cohen Pictures.

Since 2003, the campaign has been sustained by private donations and a $25,000 grant from the Bexar County District Attorney.

Awards and Accolades

• Winner, Best Use of Research of Measurement, PRWeek Awards 2004
• Finalist, Nonprofit PR Team of the Year, PRWeek Awards 2004
• Public Affairs/Government Relations, Texas Public Relations Association 2004 Silver Spur Award
• Media Relations, Texas Public Relations Association 2004 Silver Spur Award