How Community Educators Impact Teens

 

When I go into a classroom I know I’m going to be talking about something that isn’t easy to talk about. Teen dating abuse and domestic violence are difficult subjects for all of us. This was especially apparent at a recent presentation at Mater Dei High School where I was greeted by an especially somber student body. At first I thought it was me but then I found out from the teacher that the recent suicide of a former student athlete involved in an unhealthy dating situation was the reason. All these students were all dealing with a real life example of teen date abuse. This day my presentation of Jason’s Story was even more relevant and important to these kids.

 

We all need to know what the behaviors, patterns, and consequences of an abusive relationship look like especially when we are young and just beginning to date and experience romantic feelings for someone for the first time. As I talk about the cycle of domestic violence and intimate relationships, many teens recognize the pattern in theirs or a friend’s relationship as well as happening at home.

 

Studies tell us that violence is learned and is generational. How important my role has become in the classroom when teens watch the cycle of violence play out at home as well as in their circle of friends. Jason’s Story illustrates how the cycle of violence repeats until one partner ends it. For the students at Mater Dei, it was important to understand how that cycle works and how they can help themselves and others deal with it.

 

Frequently students come to speak with me after class. I tell them there is never an excuse to abuse another person no matter if it’s at home or in a dating relationship. I tell them to talk to someone who is safe and supportive, get counseling either individual or group because it is important they not become more isolated and afraid. They are not alone there are people out there who can help.

Already in 2010 I have talked with more than 3,000 students in our Orange County schools. In addition, Human Options has partnered with the Archdiocese of Orange as a part of their safe environment training. Jason’s Story is presented to the Confirmation classes to prepare young men and women on how to identify the warning signs of abuse. We hope the talking today will serve as a lesson learned to help stop the abuse in the future.

 

 

 

 

Community Education Presentations

Any of these programs can be presented at your school or religious institution, sports or community service youth group.  Call 949-737-5242, ext. 214 to learn more and schedule a presentation. 

Our newest community education program is focused on teaching teenage male athletes how to understand and control their negative emotions, how to deal with their anger in a non-violent way, and how to have healthy relationships with their family, friends, and girlfriends. This free, one hour presentation engages the crowd through an interactive story that leaves the audience with tangible information they can utilize in their immediate lives.

For more information please contact Robert Diaz at (949) 737-5242 x 215.

 Jason\’s Story

 

Hands Are Not For Hitting  THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED DUE TO BUDGET CUTS.

  

This is an innovative violence prevention program developed exclusively for Human Options. The program reaches elementary school children in their classrooms using special puppets, posters and activities. We teach children how to handle conflict in ways that does not hurt others, how to manage their anger and how to find help if they are being hurt. Engaging and adaptable stories and activities are presented in the classroom. For more information please contact Robert Diaz at (949) 737-5242 x 215.

Anti Bullying Program THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED DUE TO BUDGET CUTS.

This is a classroom presentation for pre-teens and teens teaching them successful, non-aggressive confrontational skills when faced with a situation involving a bully. Children need to feel safe and respected both at home and at school. We are prepared to work with school districts and parent groups to develop anti-harassment and anti-bullying policies. For more information or to schedule a presentation, please call Shirley Gellatly at (949) 737-5242 x214.

 

He Loves me…He Loves Me Not Video

He Loves Me. He loves Me Not, produced by Human Options, is based on a true story. This dramatization shows the key warning signs in an abusive relationship. The video shows how abusive behavior becomes the norm; with abusers not realizing their behavior is unacceptable. Studies in the US indicate that between 15 and 30% of male high school and college students engage in some form of sexual or physical aggression toward women. For more information or to schedule a presentation, please call Shirley Gellatly at (949) 737-5242 ext. 214.