RESPECT: Teaching our Students About Healthy Relationships

Andrea Sundberg

NCASV

702-990-3460

ObjectivesObjectives

• Identify Signs of domestic violence (DV) and sexual assault (SA) Victimization

• Ways to support victims• How to approach the issue• Developing awareness and prevention

programs• Methods of teaching programs• Resources for training and collaboration

The NumbersThe Numbers

• One in six Women; 1 in 33 men

• 44% of Victims in 2004 under age 18

• Girls age 16 – 19 are 4 times more likely to be victims

• 93% of juvenile SA victims know their attacker

Signs of DV and SASigns of DV and SA

• Extreme jealousy• Partner as property• Isolation of victim• Change in behavior• Making excuses for partner’s

behavior• Pregnancy• STI

Supporting Victims of SA and DVSupporting Victims of SA and DV

• Don’t judge victim• Talk to them about options• Focus on safety and not behavior of

victim• Work with local professionals in the

field• Know the laws (i.e., Mandatory

reporters)• Make sure victim is fully informed

Speaking About the IssueSpeaking About the Issue

• Get comfortable with the issue—if you are not comfortable find somebody who is

• Focus on issue—this is not a sex education class

• Bystander intervention• Identify students you work with who

can discuss the issue• Ensure there is no victim blaming

Developing Prevention ProgramsDeveloping Prevention Programs

• Work with professionals in your community

• Review current programs and change it to suit your program and population

• Bystander intervention • Work with teens on the program• Ensure that there are services

available

Prevention ResearchPrevention Research

• David Wolfe and Peter Jaffe http://new.vawnet.org/category/Main_Doc.php?docid=390

• NSVRC – Engaging Bystanders http://www.nsvrc.org/publications/nsvrc-publications/engaging-bystanders-sexual-violence-prevention

• Choose Respect http://www.chooserespect.org/scripts/materials/actionkit/choose_respect_action_kit.pdf

• CDC Guidelines http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/dvp/vaw.pdf

Methods of Teaching AdolescentsMethods of Teaching Adolescents

• Role Playing

• Videos

• Peer Educators

• Use various methods (visual, experiential, auditory)

ResourcesResources

• Every state has a state coalition

• Local DV and SA organizations

• Health district

• Faith-based programs