An honest conversation about the signs of teen dating violence, what to do, and where to go for help.
ABOUT THIS PROGRAM
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), teen dating violence is defined as the physical, sexual, or psychological/emotional violence within a dating relationship.
Unhealthy relationships can start early and last a lifetime, and can be normalized or familiarized through domestic violence in the home. Teen dating violence can start with teasing and name calling. While these behaviors are often thought to be a “normal” part of a relationship, they aren’t and can lead to serious violence like physical and sexual assault.
The CDC reports that nearly 1 in 11 female and approximately 1 in 14 male high school students report having experienced physical dating violence in the last year. About 1 in 8 female and 1 in 26 male high school students report having experienced sexual dating violence in the last year.
This session is going to dive into the reality of what signs parents and guardians can look for, how to approach the subject, and what resources can you seek if your loved one is in trouble.
We’ll talk about ways to open up the dialogue with often resistant teens and young adults, for an honest look at relationships, what defines healthy, and how to set boundaries with so much peer pressure.
WHO SHOULD WATCH
If you are a parent or guardian, a Middle School or High School teacher or guidance counselor, a community leader, or a victim advocate, you won’t want to miss this!
SPEAKERS
Bill Mitchell
Author, “When Dating Hurts”
On June 3, 2005, Bill and Michele Mitchell’s daughter, Kristin, was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in her apartment outside of Philadelphia. Twenty days prior, the Mitchell family had attended Kristin’s graduation from Saint Joseph’s University.
Since then, Bill has passionately spoken out for education about the warning signs and dangerous consequences of dating violence. He has delivered speeches at high schools, colleges, and private companies. He has also been interviewed for TV, radio, podcasts, and webinars. Bill published “When Dating Hurts,” a memoir about Kristin’s murder and his family’s journey towards healing through helping others. This book contains life-saving information on ways to detect an unhealthy relationship, and how to remain safe.
Shakina Rush
Founder, SheIsU, Inc. / Overcomer of Sex Abuse, Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence
Shakina Rush is the founder of SheIsU, president and owner of Kingdom Builders & Industrial Maintenance, LLC, Kingdom Flaggers LLC and Kingdom Living Real Estate, LLC. Shakina has always been ambitious and blessed with an entrepreneurial spirit.
As an overcomer and the founder of SHEISU, INC., she is applying her skills and passion for those impacted by domestic violence, sexual abuse and sexual assault to change lives. SHEISU, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide supportive services such as mental health, education and employment resources, self-esteem building, intimate partner and relationship counseling and resources that can lead individuals to a more productive life.
Shakina knows first-hand of how all three can have a detrimental effect on individuals life. She decided to create SHEISU to spread awareness, inform and offer support to those who find themselves looking for solutions and a way to overcome their circumstances.
Much like her entrepreneurial endeavors, Shakina’s big vision for SHEISU includes transitional housing, educational programs and job training and placement in order to ensure individuals become financially independent.