SAFE DATES

     How do teens tell a good relationship from a bad one?  If they have been abused by a dating partner, how do they overcome the trauma and protect themselves? 

     During the 07-08 school year the Crisis Shelter teachers introduced the Safe Dates program to several  groups of targeted at-risk teens.  The pilot is being funded by Bridge-Builders Foundation and A Brighter Future for Children and Youth grant from the United Methodist Church.  Current participants include students from Cray Youth and Family Services Challenges School, Youth Development Center, Ellwood City Big House and Diamond Girls.

Consider the following statistics:

• 33% of teens report knowing a peer who has been physically hurt by their partner;

• 20% of teen girls who date say a partner has threatened violence or self harm if she broke up;

• 96% of teens report being psychologically or emotionally abused;

• Adults who physically abuse their partners typically enacted a first episode of abuse by age 15.

Safe Dates is the only evidence-based program to effectively reduce dating violence:

• Four years after Safe Dates participation, students report 56-92% less dating violence than those who did not participate

• Safe Dates is proven effective with both boys and girls;

• Safe Dates is an effective tool for both prevention and intervention;

• Students learn to discern between healthy, caring, supportive relationships and controlling manipulative, abusive relationships.

The Crisis Shelter IS OFFERING the Safe Dates program to Lawrence County schools.  If you would like to schedule a program, please call THE EDUCATION AND OUTREACH COORDINATOR at 724-652-9206 x120.

SAVE^4

SAVE^4 is the newest initiative at the Crisis Shelter.  It is an after school program available for any district interested in participating.  The mission is to decrease the potential for violence in schools and communities by promoting meaningful student involvement, education, and service opportunities in an effort to provide safer environments for learning.  SAVE^4 promotes peer facilitation and mentoring.  The goals of SAVE^4 are:

• Engage students in meaningful violence prevention efforts within their school and community

• Empower youth with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide service to their community and school

• Encourage positive peer influences within the school and community through violence prevention efforts

• Educate students about the effects and consequences of violence as well as safe activities for students, parents, and the community.

ANYONE INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE SAVE^4 PROGRAM, OR STARTING A CHAPTER AT SCHOOL, PLEASE CALL THE EDUCATION AND OUTREACH COORDINATOR AT 724-652-9206 X120.