Public Awareness Campaign

TAASA’s award-winning “Speak Up. Speak Out.” public service announcements

The “Speak Up. Speak Out.” campaign includes television, radio, print and web 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.

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

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 by Dallas-based advertising agencies Weber Shandwick and Temerlin McClain. 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, a $25,000 grant from the Bexar County District Attorney and continual support from the Office of the Attorney General.