News release from the YWCA Northeast Indiana:
Community invited to Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month Kick-off Event
Mayor proclaims February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in Fort Wayne
(January 29, 2015) – Mayor Tom Henry has proclaimed February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in Fort Wayne. February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) and it gives our community an opportunity to shed light on one of the most devastating, but often hidden, dangers that our young people face. To kick-off this effort, YWCA Northeast Indiana is inviting all media, teachers, students, and youth organizations to join them for their TDVAM Kick-off event, Monday, February 2 at 3:15pm, held at their offices at 1610 Spy Run Avenue, Fort Wayne, 46805. The event is expected to end at 3:45pm.
The event will include the reading of the Mayoral Proclamation by the Mayor’s Youth Council; special guest Juanita Goodwell, Indiana Youth Institute’s Northeastern Indiana Outreach Manager; as well as a discussion of the signs and symptoms of Teen Dating Violence and what can be done to prevent it.
“We believe strongly in the power of prevention education, and have many programs devoted to youth education in our six county service area,” said Deborah Beckman, YWCA Northeast Indiana President and CEO. “Our education programs run all year long, but February is a great time to remind the community of the importance of prevention and really inspire them to have these conversations with the youth in their lives.”
The statistics surrounding Teen Dating Violence are astounding:
? Two out of three teens will experience dating violence.
? Violent relationships in adolescence can have serious ramifications of putting the victims at increased risk for substance abuse; eating disorders; and future domestic violence.
? About 72% of eighth and ninth graders are “dating.”
? Only 33% of teens who were in an abusive relationship ever told anyone about the abuse.
? 81% of parents believe that teen dating violence is not an issue or admit that they don’t know if it is an issue.Free copies of our TDVAM 2015 Toolkit for Schools, Universities, Youth Groups, and More will be available to facilitate a community discussion about this important and dangerous issue. This event also provides a great opportunity for the community to learn more about YWCA Northeast Indiana and its educational programs that are dedicated to educating the youth about teen dating violence, in accordance with Heather’s Law.
About the YWCA
The YWCA is the voice for every woman. For over a century, the YWCA has spoken out and taken action on behalf of women and girls. The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Over 2 million people participate each year in YWCA programs at more than 1,300 locations across the U.S. Worldwide, the YWCA serves more than 25 million women and girls in 125 countries.Since 1894, the YWCA Northeast Indiana, which serves Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, Noble, Wells, and Whitley counties, has given voice to the concerns of women and provided services to meet the changing needs of women and their families. A nonprofit organization, the YWCA operates Indiana’s oldest domestic violence shelter, providing shelter and services to women, men and children escaping domestic violence. The YWCA welcomes the interest and participation of both women and men committed to this vision. The organization receives support from individuals, foundations, corporations, and other groups, and is a United Way Partner Agency in each county served.
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