NCJ Number
147880
Date Published
Unknown
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Noting that the American Medical Association has identified family violence as a public health issue, these articles suggest ways in which physicians can work effectively with the news media to educate the public about family violence and its widespread impact and give suggestions for making effective speeches about the subject.
Abstract
The first step in the effort to obtain the best media coverage should probably be a well-planned news conference that focuses on the problem and future activities rather than accomplishments. A media alert should be used to notify local newspapers, and television and radio stations to invite them to the event. Following the conference, the medical society should use several methods of obtaining continuing media coverage. The medical societies of Massachusetts and Rhode Island have initiated efforts in this area. Physicians who have worked with victims of domestic assault can be effective as speakers. In sharing personal experiences, they will reach their audiences more effectively if they relate their experience to theirs. They may benefit from the assistance of a writer on the medical society staff or a professional speechwriter. Attached media advisory and text of a speech given by a physician