Close to Home

The Challenge
Close to Home is a domestic violence prevention initiative located in the Field's Corner neighborhood of Dorchester, whose mission and vision is to create stronger communities to prevent domestic violence, through community ownership, communication and relationships. In the summer of 2006, Close to Home sought to relauch itself and create their first ever public awareness campaign - focusing on taking the issue of domestic violence out of the back room and onto the 'front porch' of the community.

The Solution
The concept of the identity, rebrand and campaign is the power of community, and community relationships in addressing issues of domestic violence. The campaign itself focused on getting people talking. Specifically, the notion that a tool could help make that connection - by sharing a cup of coffee, playing a game of soccer, making a phone call. That these instances and tools could help create an environment that is comfortable, intimate, and real, where conversations could happen in a natural way. Members of the community were involved in taking the images that contributed and supported the campaign.

The Result
Close to Home's visbility has been raised in Field's Corner, locally and nationally as a result of the campaign. They have been successful in branding their approach as uniquely effective in the landscape of domestic violence. Where other organizations focus on the battered, bruised, scared victim, this campaign shows the possiblity, and the responsbility that we all hold. Close to Home has increased participation in every one of it's programs, as well as at events and training.