National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline | 1-866-331-9474 | 1-866-331-8453 TTY | 
Design video games and learn about teen dating abuse! Check out this contest by JenniferAnn.org at http://www.jenniferann.org/2009_game_contest.htm
The rules are there and so are last year’s winners… Can you make a game about teen dating abuse without using violence? We can’t wait to see what you come up with for this great group.
February 2nd to the 6th is the fourth annual Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week. Here at loveisrespect we are busy creating new LOVE Mashups and responding to calls and chats.
What are you doing? Is your school hosting an event? Can you add us to your Facebook or MySpace profile? Check out our GET INVOLVED page to see all the ways you can show your support of loveisrespect and join the efforts to end teen dating abuse. There are also tool kits for teachers to download and share with their classes. Check them out!
If you have pics or videos an event or project for Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week send it in. We love to show the great things teens are doing across the country.
awareness, general, peer advocates, prevention, volunteer ideas
Congratulations to the winners of the Tennessee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence video contest! These gifted students put a lot of hard work and effort into these videos, and they definitely deserve the credit they received. Each video does a great job of discussing one or more aspects of dating violence.
“Somebody Say Something” by Sabrina Morris is a great example of how friends and family can help those who are in abusive relationships. “Run Girl Run” by Courtney Pennington is a great illustration of how difficult and scary life can be while in an abusive relationship. “Make a Difference” by Ciara Gray demonstrates how everyone has rights in their relationships and that everyone has the right to end a relationship. “Somebody Say Something” by Kevin Scott Page shows that abuse is real. Abuse should be discussed and dealt with and not be covered up.
It is great to see how teens are spreading the word about dating violence in their communities. Not only are these teens getting the message out, they are doing it in creative and impactful ways. Think about all the things you like: do you like to act, make videos, sing, write, or play music? Then you can help to end dating violence too! Perform a skit, make a movie, sing a song, write a poem or short story, or play a song, or do something else… there is no limit on your creativity!
We are always eager to hear about what you are doing to end dating violence in your community and would love to hear from you. Also, if you are having trouble coming up with a creative project, talk to us and we will help get started.
Below is a link to check out all the winning videos. Keep up the great work and congratulations!
Have you ever designed a shirt? Do you like free prizes? Have I got your attention yet? BOM411.com has just launched its Design Not Drama campaign. The campaign is a T-shirt contest that helps get the word out about domestic violence. What a cool way to tell people about dating abuse! The purpose of the campaign is to emphasize that “relationships come in all shapes and sizes… and they will involve some sort of drama. How you decide to deal with that drama is up to you.”
The contest is open to all California residents ages 15-19, and all entries are due December 5, at 11:30 p.m. (for all you procrastinators, I recommend starting on your design before 11:29). If you are not a resident of California, you should check out the T-shirt design anyway.
CAUTION: The T-shirt design is highly addictive. You may lose track of time while making your T-shirt, so make sure to have a clock nearby (in case you have to go to school, or in my case, get back to work).
The winner of the contest receives a $1000 Apple gift card, 20 prints of his/her winning design, and a posting on the BOM411 website! In other words, you could get a lot of cool stuff for expressing yourself. We always have posted ways and tips for you to express your creativity to tell people about dating abuse, and we are ecstatic to hear that BOM411 knows that you guys are as creative as we have been saying! (Also, free stuff never hurts.) Below is a link to the contest. Good luck to all participants… design your hearts out.
Contest Link: http://www.designnotdrama.com/
To Write Love on Her Arms is an awareness campaign for the prevention of self injury, suicide, addiction, and depression. These things are all big aspects of dating abuse, and things we hear every day form callers and chatters. The stress and trauma of abuse can lead to depression and addiction in teens. We want to keep destructive decisions out of the equation and encourage teens to seek help and an outlet that is healthy and will allow for the greatest chance of recovery and success. Help spread the awareness for To Write Love on Her Arms project, by simply writing the word “Love” on your arm and spreading the word about this worthy cause.
www.twloha.com or visit their MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/towriteloveonherarms
A new study looks at the lives of boys that abuse their partners - read more about it at the UC Davis Health System website. While more research will need to be done, this study shows a connection between boys that abuse and troubles with home, school, and a peer group that encourages mistreatment of women and girls.
Whatever further studies clarify, clearly focusing on simple awareness of dating abuse isn’t enough. Prevention is equally important. The boys that participated in this study were already in groups for dating violence perpetration - these groups aren’t easily found in some areas. What about boys that want help and can’t find it? Our peer advocates struggle with this issue every day.
We hope these continuing studies might reveal some new ideas for prevention of dating abuse. If you have an idea, share it here. What do you can help when parents, schools, and friends aren’t?
Peer Advocates are available for assistance and support.
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