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Educational Programs
> Programs for Youth
Break the Cycle: Dating Violence Prevention
HiTOPS Educator
Designed for: Males and females, grades 8-12
“Sometimes my boyfriend gets so angry, I’m afraid he might hurt me.”
“My girlfriend embarrasses me in front of my friends.”
“My boyfriend is so jealous I can’t talk to anyone else.”
Teen dating violence is a serious problem in the United States with approximately 1 in 5 female high school students suffering physical and/or sexual abuse by a dating partner. While males are less likely to be victims of physical violence in a dating relationship, they are often abused emotionally and are unlikely to seek help.
This class uses an educational video of teens involved in several abusive situations to spark discussion about the different types of dating violence. Participants will learn that dating violence is about power and control and can include physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Small group activities help students identify abuse in written scenarios and strategize how the characters can get help for their situation. Students will learn risk-reduction strategies to help prevent or get out of an abusive relationship.
Our goals are to help students:
• Increase knowledge regarding the types and causes of dating violence
• Increase understanding about the effects of dating violence
• Explore strategies teens can use to get help with dating violence – for themselves or for a friend
Average length of program: 45 minutes
Recommended number of participants: 10-30
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