Tuesday, February 20

Local Leaders Bring Awareness to Teen Dating Violence & Prevention during the Month of February


Baton Rouge, La. – Just two days after celebrating love around the world, local leaders in St. Helena Parish gathered to bring awareness to Teen Dating Violence & Prevention Month to students at St. Helena College & Career Academy.  Surveys have shown that 1 in 4 teens are being harassed or abused through the use of technology.  Nationally, many advocates rally behind this cause to raise awareness about dating abuse, and promote youth programs that teach the importance of healthy relationships.

During the Outstanding Mature Girlz (O.M.G.) Club focus group, youth participants were engaged through many scenarios on building healthy relationships, and the signs to look for in unhealthy relationships as a teenager.  Club members also had an open discussion on the popular hashtag “Relationship Goals.” 

“When I think about relationship goals, I think about my uncle and aunt, because they’ve gone through so much and they are still together,” said one club member who chose to remain anonymous.

A few club members even referenced coupled YouTube Bloggers as being their standard model for “Relationship Goals.”  At the conclusion of the focus group, many teens agreed that one way to prevent teen dating violence and abuse at their age is to have a certain level of expectations.  Those hierarchy of expectations included self-love, and respect for one another.


           
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