Strategic communications major Amanda Garrity ’16 examines how media is promoting domestic violence awareness and questions if knowledge is leading to action.
Elon University junior Amanda Garrity published an opinion column, “Walking the talk on domestic violence,” on May 14 in the (Burlington, N.C.) Times-News. The guest column discusses how media is raising awareness of domestic violence and what steps are necessary to continue this conversation.
A strategic communications major, Garrity serves as a volunteer with Family Abuse Services, a Burlington agency that provides services and support to women and their children who are victims of domestic violence in Alamance County.
In her column, Garrity highlighted recent marketing campaigns raising awareness, including a Super Bowl advertisement by anti-domestic violence coalition NoMore, yet she questioned if knowledge is leading to action.
“Domestic violence prevention organizations claim that awareness is the first step to ending this tragic cycle. Yet, it should be noted that it is the first step, not the only one,” wrote Garrity. “Awareness and education are key because they initiate tough conversations and encourage people to reach out to others. Unfortunately, awareness only gets you so far.”
She implored community members to offer victims support, both physically and emotionally, through initiatives such as court advocacy programs, family shelters and support groups.
Garrity commended nonprofit organizations like Family Abuse Services and North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence, calling them catalysts in the “movement to end domestic violence.” She applauded these organizations for diminishing the public stigma victims face.
Garrity is the entertainment editor for The Edge, the magazine supplement of The Pendulum, and the public relations manager for Elon Student Television’s entertainment talk show, “ETalk.” She also serves on the Elon Dining Services marketing team.