crisis management and reputation response - civilian
Civilians are rarely prepared for a public crisis. In the midst of shock, fear, and/or grief, civilians tend to either talk to everyone or to no one. Both are dangerous courses of action. Talking to everyone puts the civilian and their family at risk, legally, financially, and from a security perspective. Speaking to no one often creates a vacuum where misinformation, speculation, and opportunists fill the void.
mass casualty incidents
Mass casualty incidents, primarily school and work-place shootings, are a shocking, tragic, and sadly growing phenomena in our society. We are humbled and honored to be relied upon to represent survivors and the family members of victims in these heart wrenching situations. From immediate insulation to assistance in managing the media and working with authorities, our extensive experience in this space means that we understand how to navigate the challenging, intense, waters with sensitivity.
Unfortunately mass casualty incidents tend to attract the attention of conspiracy theorists, political opportunists, and others seeking to use the tragedy for their own agenda as well as the mentally unstable who want to reach out to family to offer unsolicited “support” or condemnation. We work closely with social media providers, authorities, and the HONR Network in order to protect clients and limit unwanted content and commentary.
high-profile crimes
Victims, as well as the family members of both victims and perpetrators, often find themselves the target of intense scrutiny. Merrell Strategy assists people affected by crime to work efficiently with authorities, select and retain legal counsel, and interact effectively with the media.
The population’s fixation on true crime often results in an unending stream of people wanting access to victims and affected families so that they can “solve” the crime or blame the families. We help insulate clients, create a narrative, and release information in a timely way that helps protect the family and satisfy the media and public.
victims of stalkers and harassment
Whether victimized by physical stalking, violence, harassment, bullying or other threats or by online terror attacks, defamation, or revenge porn/postings, Merrell Strategy has extensive experience in making the attacks stop, removing the abusive content, and holding the abusers responsible.
Victims often struggle not only with the embarrassment, fear, and damage to their relationships and reputation, but with the feeling of helplessness and inability to see a way forward after the abuse has subsided, we can help there too.
crisis communications services for civilians
insulation –
attorney & law enforcement liaison
media relations & communications
social media platform liaison
abusive online content remediation
crisis counseling referral
message and delivery –
spokesperson services
message & content creation
interview prep & strategy
on-camera interview training
empowerment evaluation and strategy –
fund-raising & awareness campaigns
non-profit & memorial foundation building
legislative introductions & bill creation services
political & personality campaigns
post crisis emergence strategy
advanced media relations –
author & ghost writer services
publisher services
speakers bureau and speech writing services
TV, documentary, and film production services