I love working at loveisrespect, a huge reason why I love it here is because I was in a very unhealthy relationship in the past myself. Because of my past, I really think that I can relate to and understand those who have been in the same position I have been in. It means a lot to me when I talk to someone and they say thank you, because at that point I realize that I actually did help somebody and that I might have provided the advice they needed to have positively changed their future in some way. It feels awesome to know that I am part of a team that recognizes the importance of the Helpline and that truly makes a difference.
The following Video Diary depicts a common type of abuse teens may experience in relationships – intimidation/threats. Intimidation is characterized by someone making you afraid by using looks, actions and gestures, smashing things, destroying property, abusing pets or displaying weapons. Types of threats used by abusers are threats to do something to hurt another, threatening to leave, commit suicide or to report her/him to the police, making her/him drop charges or making her/him do illegal things.
Kyle’s actions are all red flags of an unhealthy relationship. When he smashes his cell phone, pins Sarah’s arm back and threatens to kills himself those are methods of intimidation and threats. View the video and read our peer advocate advice on addressing this situation after the jump. Read more…
One of our most active peer ambassadors, Faythe has been continuing her projects with her school organization, Angels Against Abuse, which raises awareness on teen dating violence. The organization holds many events in the community to promote healthy relationships such as skit performances and an annual block party. In honor of National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, the organization has placed victim posters around the campus describing different stories of teens that have been killed. There are also 500 light blue flags out on the courtyard representing the one in four students who will experience an abusive relationship during their time in school. Among many other things, Angels Against Abuse is working toward raising awareness in the community.
Recently, Faythe was featured on a PBS special in Colorado as part of a panel on Teen on Teen Violence. Faythe represented both her school organization and the teenage perspective. Along with the Director of the local domestic violence shelter in Denver, Faythe focused on teen dating violence. The video can be found by clicking here.
The following Video Diary depicts a common type of abuse teens may experience in relationships – anger/emotional abuse. This is characterized by someone putting you down, making you feel bad about yourself, name calling, playing mind games, humiliation, making you feel guilty or making you think you are crazy.
Natalie’s boyfriend Mike is mean, makes fun of her and calls her names. These are all red flags of an unhealthy relationship. View the video and read our peer advocate advice on addressing this situation after the jump.
We are very excited to officially unveil our latest creation, the loveisrespect iPhone application! The loveisrespect application comes with eight function buttons including a blog feed, contact link, learn more link, who we are link, a direct button to our YouTube, Twitter and Facebook accounts and a volunteer form. The best part is, it is completely free to download! Check it out by clicking here.
Be sure to tune in to MTV tonight for the premiere of Sexting in America: When Privates Go Public. The news special is premiering on Valentine’s Day as part of MTV’s A Thin Line campaign to stop the spread of digital abuse. Celebrities such as Boys Like Girls, Michelle Trachtenburg, All Time Low and Asher Roth have also teamed up with MTV to spread awareness and will be appearing right before the start of the show. Be sure to check out the MTV News special tonight at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Did you know 1.5 million teens will experience abuse in their relationship this year? Get involved and do your part this month. Check out haveaheartcampaign.org for ideas and resources. Also be sure to check out their campaign video after the jump. Read more…
Break the Cycle is in the running for a chance to win $250,000 in the Pepsi Refresh Challenge. They have submitted a campaign that seeks to empower young women to end dating violence across the United States. If they win, they will use the money to reach out to selected Girl Scouts Councils and not only educate the participants to avoid abuse and create healthy realtionships, but train them to become peer leaders and spread the knowledge. Click here to submit your vote by the February 28 deadline. The campaign is currently 64th in the running, but with your help it could be one of the top two winning entries. Check out their video entry below: Read more…
This Valentine’s Day, share the love…and share the music! Martina McBride is teaming up with loveisrespect and Tickets-for-Charity to make some of the best seats in the house (and yes, we mean floor seats!) available to benefit loveisrespect for all dates on her Shine All Night Tour with Trace Adkins. Whether it’s your boyfriend, girlfriend, sister or best friend, here’s a great way to treat a loved one to an unforgettable performance with one of country music’s biggest stars! Visit Tickets-for-Charity to learn more and find fantastic seats in a city near you!
There is a great highlights video we wanted to share with you from the Start Strong Austin Kick Off event for Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. Recorded at the Carver Museum, this video spotlights all the great entertainment acts and performances from the event. For those of you unable to attend the event, check out the video after the jump. Read more…
I love working at loveisrespect, a huge reason why I love it here is because I was in a very unhealthy relationship in the past myself. Because of my past, I really think that I can relate to and understand those who have been in the same position I have been in. It means a lot to me when I talk to someone and they say thank you, because at that point I realize that I actually did help somebody and that I might have provided the advice they needed to have positively changed their future in some way. It feels awesome to know that I am part of a team that recognizes the importance of the Helpline and that truly makes a difference.
