Dating violence – Teen Council

Break the Cycle: Dating Violence Prevention

Designed for: Males and females, grades 8-12

Sometimes my boyfriend gets so angry, I’m afraid he might hurt me.

My girlfriend embarrasses me in front of my friends.

My boyfriend is so jealous I can’t talk to anyone else.

Teen dating violence is a serious problem in the United States with approximately 1 in 5 female high school students suffering physical and/or sexual abuse by a dating partner. While males are less often victims of physical violence in a dating relationship, they are often abused emotionally and are unlikely to seek help.

This peer-led workshop uses age-appropriate skits and small group discussion to help participants understand the causes and effects of dating violence. Participants will learn that dating violence is about power and control and can include physical, emotion, and sexual abuse. In small groups, students decide how to address the abuse situations seen in the skits. Participants will also learn risk-reduction strategies to prevent or get out of an abusive relationship.

Our goals are to help students:

• Increase knowledge regarding the definition, types, and causes of dating violence
• Increase understanding about the effects of dating violence
• Explore strategies teens can use to get help with dating violence – for themselves or for or a friend.

Average length of workshop: 90 minutes

Recommended number of participants: 20-100