Crisis Center of Tampa Bay Campaign
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For my final capstone project, I collaborated with a team to develop a strategic communications campaign for the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay to increase awareness of and utilization of sexual assault forensic examinations. Grounded in research on underreporting and barriers to care, our campaign reframed these exams as accessible, confidential, and empowering resources for survivors. We created an integrated approach that included a press release, geo-targeted social media ads, and visually engaging digital assets tailored to reach college-aged audiences in the Tampa Bay area. By emphasizing education, trust, and community partnerships with local universities, the campaign aimed to reduce stigma and encourage survivors to seek support and services.
Press Release
Contact Information:
Crisis Center of Tampa Bay
Ken Gibson
813-964-1964
Release Date:
May 27, 2026
Tampa Bay Initiative Aims to Break Silence Around Seeking Care
TAMPA, Fla. — With 69% of sexual assaults going unreported nationally, many sexual assault survivors do not seek medical care. In response to that gap, the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay will partner with the University of South Florida and the University of Tampa on May 27 to launch a campus-focused initiative to increase awareness of sexual assault services and reduce barriers to care across Hillsborough County.
The initiative is designed to address common reasons survivors delay or avoid seeking care, including uncertainty about cost, confidentiality, and whether medical treatment requires involvement with law enforcement. Organizers say those concerns often prevent individuals from accessing time-sensitive services following an assault.
“Many people don’t seek care because they don’t know what to expect or what their rights are,” a spokesperson for the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay said. “This partnership is about making sure students and community members have accurate, accessible information when they need it most.”
The effort will focus on providing clearer information about what happens during a sexual assault medical exam, what options are available, and how survivors can access support services. It will also include educational outreach tailored to college students, who advocates say may face additional barriers to reporting and care.
The campaign will include digital outreach, campus-based education efforts, and collaboration with student organizations at both universities. Organizers say the goal is to increase awareness before a crisis occurs, so individuals are better informed about their options in the moments following an assault.
About Crisis Center of Tampa Bay
Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is a private nonprofit organization providing 24/7 support to individuals struggling with a variety of crisis situations in Hillsborough County. They respond to crises such as sexual assault/abuse, domestic violence, financial distress, substance abuse, medical emergency, and other emotional or situational distress. Learn more about the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and their services and programs at https://www.crisiscenter.com/ or email marketing@crisiscenter.com.