Getting the Word Out... Domestic Violence Awareness in Rural Communities

This paper is adapted from a report by Diane Reese and Sue Julian, Project Coordinators for the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The paper discusses how characteristics common to rural communities, such as a lack of access to resources and a sometimes strong communal identity, influence how rural public education work is done. It highlights factors that supported the West Virginia rural public education project and discusses how they planned and implemented public education work; activities described include the review and development of materials and themes, the use of statewide surveys and focus groups, and material distribution plans including the use of a statewide and local networks.

The paper's Appendices has survey forms and a project evaluation. The paper's Attachments are products from the Getting the Word Out project including: the insert card, resource card and poster used for public displays; a copy of "Handbook for Professionals"; General Domestic Violence/WVCADV Information; Personalized Safety Planning; Tactics of Control; Impact on Children; Protection Orders; Elder Abuse; and Lesbian and Gay Relationships. To receive a print copy of these Attachments, contact the NRCDV at 1-800-537-2238, or TTY 1-800-553-2508.

This paper is one of a series of demonstration project reports coordinated by the Public Education Technical Assistance Project of the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence(NRCDV).