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Developing Effective Messages

Child abuse prevention messages that take a positive approach, emphasizing the many ways communities can support and strengthen families, are more likely to resonate with the public. When developing your message, keep your target audience in mind and tailor the message to reflect the audience’s point of view. You may also consider the method of communication and who will deliver the message.

Use the following resources to learn more about developing an effective child abuse prevention message.

Child Maltreatment Prevention and Parent Education
Fontes (2005)
In Child Abuse and Culture: Working With Diverse Families
View Abstract
Discusses ways to improve the ability of child maltreatment prevention programs to reach immigrant and ethnic minority families, including culturally competent strategies for public awareness campaigns.

The Message
Chadwick
Child Abuse and Neglect, 23, 1999
View Abstract
Outlines a model for promoting the message of child abuse prevention, including information on writing a mission statement and increasing support for that mission by communicating with stakeholders from related disciplines.

"Reframing" Child Abuse Messages (Word - 491 KB)
Washington Council for Prevention of Child Abuse (2005)
Lists opportunities and needs for communications efforts and offers recommendations to help child abuse prevention advocates avoid losing momentum and reinforcing negative aspects of the current public frames.

Reframing the Issue: A New Child Maltreatment Prevention Message (PDF - 92 KB)
Wrisley
North Carolina Medical Journal, 66, 2005
Cites research findings on the public's frame of reference on child maltreatment and neglect, explains different types of public campaigns and strategies, and makes recommendations for future public awareness efforts.

Updated on February 12, 2008