February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Nationally, one in three girls in the U.S. have experienced physical, emotional, or verbal abuse from a dating partner - far exceeding all other youth violence. And yet only 19% of parents believe teen dating violence is an issue. Although 82% of parents feel confident they could recognize the signs if their child was experiencing dating abuse, only 42% could correctly identify the signs of abuse. February 3 marks "National Talk About it Day" teaching and encouraging parents, teachers, and other adults to talk with teens about dating violence.
Guests: Sarah Gordon works as the Assistant Director of Prevention Services within the Young Adult Abuse Prevention Program at Family Crisis Services. Sarah works to facilitate interactive programs and create a lively discussion around teen dating violence for students, faculty, and parents. As the Youth Advocate, Sarah creates a safe, supportive, and empowering space in group settings for girls to connect. Sarah advocates one on one with victims 16-24 years old.
Regina Rooney is the Public Awareness Coordinator for the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence, where she focuses on bringing prevention and awareness strategies to stakeholders throughout Maine. Her work includes collaborating with and providing training for employers, health care workers, members of the press, advocates and the general community, with a focus on changing the social conditions that foster and encourage abuse in our culture.
Casey Faulkingham is the Prevention & Training Coordinator for Hope and Justice Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing services for anyone affected by abuse and violence in Aroostook County. In this position, she develops and sustains public awareness activities, media outreach, and youth focused programming to enhance and expand abuse and violence prevention.
Click here to visit the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence website.
The Hope and Justice Project's helpline is 1-800-439-2323 and our website is www.hopeandjusticeproject.org.
Call 1-866-834-HELP to get connected to your local resource center.
