Millions of teens in the U.S are affected by dating violence each year, ranging from physical and sexual violence, to psychological aggression and even stalking. Victims in these abusive and unhealthy relationships often go unheard and are afraid to reach out for help. The Give Back Club at KHS helped spread awareness to this topic recently in a fascinating way, during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. It lets others understand and know the dangers of being in an unhealthy relationship, and how to promote wellness in relationships.
Rather than just simply announcing statistics, members of The Give Back Club decided to tackle this by taping purple ribbons onto every third locker in the school. Members spent time researching these statistics to then be put throughout the school. Club Advisor’s Danielle Elia and Danielle Wysocki recalled, “The ribbons were posted around the school on every th
ird locker to represent how many teenagers experience some level of teen dating violence.” Senior and member of Give Back Club Emma Schmidt, adds, “The ribbons are a great way to promote this because they are a way to visually reinforce the topic.”
As scary as it is, every one in three teens in the U.S will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse in a relationship. This is why it is so important to both identify the signs of abuse, and promote healthy relationships, especially in our school. Elia says, “Often people need reminders that they are not alone and can receive support if needed.” If people can show that there is help and a support system, more people will reach out for help.
Aside from the statistics, the club members also found various quotes to remind others what a positive relationship looks like. Some shared, were, “Love yourself enough to set boundaries” and “A good relationship is when someone accepts your past, supports your present and encourages your future.” As students walk by in the halls, hopefully they can learn a few things about a healthy relationship to engage in.
Recognizing the signs of violence and abuse is the next step to helping someone in that position. Elia, shares the statistic “82% of parents thought they could recognize teen dating violence but more than half couldn’t identify the warning signs” (LoveIsRespect.org). Many people can not identify the signs which leads to victims never seeking help. Schmidt says “It is often a very hidden form of abuse. It usually happens in private, making the victim entirely alone and others unaware of the situation.”
The club is reaching to talk more about this topic to help anyone in need, and to maintain healthy relationships in and outside of school. Elia believes that some ways we can accomplish this is to “Learn to identify the red flags for them and not just brush it off.” Approaching this issue by understanding and voicing it will be beneficial to spreading awareness about it. Schmidt agrees and says, “We need to make it a more open topic and make it more socially acceptable to talk about these kinds of topics!”
