Imagine a World Without Abuse: Advertising for Social Change 

Ross M. Chowles, College of Communication Arts and Sciences
Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center 

It is estimated that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday. A partnership between Professor Ross Chowles and the Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center (TBCAC) has demonstrated that arts can inspire students and community members to confront the enormous costs of child sexual abuse. This project catalyzes communities to accept that all adults are responsible for keeping all children from harm while working toward a world without abuse. TBCAC began working with Chowles in 2018, just after revelations surfaced about former MSU doctor Larry Nassar’s sexual abuse of girls over almost two decades. Chowles challenged his Advanced Creative Advertising students to produce public service announcements to prevent child sexual abuse. Together Chowles and TBCAC developed a unique approach to this complex and taboo topic, educating MSU students, the Traverse Bay community, and professionals in the national child welfare field. Throughout the 8-year partnership, TBCAC has implemented student work in the Traverse Bay community. In 2024, the team mounted a powerful exhibit in MSU’s Communication Arts and Sciences Building. Chowles and TBCAC have presented to state and national professionals, bringing broad attention to their arts-based approach to preventing child sexual abuse.