The Australian Government launches campaign via BMF to remind Australians that even in crisis, there’s no place for domestic violence
As COVID-19 puts pressure on many families, the domestic violence statistics are alarming. Google searches on domestic violence have increased by 75 per cent since the first recorded COVID-19 cases in NSW. Australian GPs are also warning of an impending increase in domestic violence after reports that incidences tripled in parts of China during that country’s isolation period.
While the global COVID-19 crisis is unprecedented, it’s left many victims of domestic and family abuse inside their homes with their abuser – all day, every day – as people isolate to prevent the spread of the virus. For many of us this has meant working from home and staying indoors, but for women and children experiencing domestic violence, it has made it even harder to get help and have left some unable to reach out to their support networks like family and friends.
In response, the Australian Government has partnered with creative agency BMF to launch a national campaign to ensure that Australians experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence know which support services are available 24/7. This also includes services for people using violence or at risk of using violence.
Says Christina Aventi, executive planning director, BMF: “All relationships are under pressure right now, whether they are healthy or not. Many are navigating new challenges – mentally, emotionally and financially and for families where abuse and violence are the norm, times of crisis can heighten the intensity. In this case, isolation and lockdown can make them feel even more neglected or forgotten. Their sacrifice of living in lockdown is far greater than ours and we hope this campaign reminds them that they are not alone and there are many ways to seek help.”
Says Pia Chaudhuri, group creative director, BMF: “People often assume that home is a safe space but for victims of domestic abuse and violence, this is far from the case. We wanted to use a simple animated visual of a house to show how in times of crisis, external forces can have an even bigger impact on the people inside. We hope the campaign goes some way to reassure victims that even in isolation, they’re not alone – help is here, whenever they need it.”
The campaign also targets the broader support network of victims, including their family, friends and their community, which can act as a disincentive for potential perpetrators who might feel enabled by a society whose focus is elsewhere.
Although the main objective of the campaign is to ensure the safety of victims of violence, it also aims to encourage those who may be feeling frustration and anger, during these uncertain times, to reach out and seek help.
The campaign is rolling out this week across the country and includes TV, radio, outdoor, press, digital and social, reminding Australians help is available online and by phone, 24/7.
Creative Agency: BMF
Executive Creative Director: Alex Derwin
Group Creative Director: Pia Chaudhuri
Head of Art and Design: Lincoln Grice
Creative Team: Emily Field, Kiah Nicholas, Casey Schweikert and Fiona McLeod
Executive Planning Director: Christina Aventi
Managing Director: Stephen McArdle
Head of Account Management: Richard Woods
Account Director: Victoria Venardos
Account Manager: Adam Reeves
Head of TV: Jenny Lee-Archer
Agency Producer: Claire Seffrin
Production Company: Buck
Executive Creative Director: Gareth O’Brien
Creative Director: Lucas Brooking
Executive Producer: Erica Ford
Storyboards: Sam Scopelitti, Lara Lee, Will Pietsch and João Lavieri
Design: Lucas Brooking, João Lavieri, Scarlett Sterling, Will Pietsch and Bernd Bousard
Animation: Chris Anderson, Henrique Barone, Will Pietsch, Liz Smith and Bernd Bousard
Music & Sound Design: Otis Studios
Creative Services Director: Clare Yardley
Production Director: Karen Liddle
Art Buyer: Basir Salleh
Digital Producer: Danielle Kartika
Front-End Developer: King Tan
Finished Artists: Stacey Harrad-Chantler and Catarina Duardo
Client: Department of Social Services
8 Comments
“but for women, MEN and children experiencing domestic violence” I’m male and have been a victim of Domestic Violence !
I was expecting some poorly-acted, finger-waving stuff but this is even-handed, well-crafted and smart government advertising. It’s awful that we even need work like this out in the world, but it’s important stuff and hats-off to the BMF team for handling it as smartly as you have. I hope it helps.
Beautifully crafted guys, love it. Such a breath of fresh air from all the UGC stuff we’re seeing everywhere.
Agree with these comments. Refreshing to see some beautifully designed Government work after a couple of howlers already in 2020.
Seriously this is so badly produced given how many people worked on it. Shame on you.
Praise for government advertising that doesn’t look like government advertising. Having said that, the graphic style reminds me of BRUTE! magazine, and I’m not sure if that’s necessarily a good thing. (For those too young to know, look it up.)
Plays on foxtel over and over.
Can I say if someone is beating the cr*p out of you, this limp wristed campaign doesn’t capture that fear or relief going for help will bring.
I actually think this is short and to the point. It directs people to the 1800 Respect Service which has many useful resources including specialist counsellors. Thanks for raising awareness! We should all be looking out for this hidden epidemic in our society. Both men and women can be affected by it. Families are affected as well. Keep bringing it to people’s attention so we can keep challenging the destructive nature of DV.