St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church Youth participated in an interactive skit last month to explore unhealthy dating relationships.
The performance was facilitated by Fayette Cares staff as an ongoing effort to prevent abuse and spark social change.
Violent behavior typically begins between the ages of 12 and 18. Some, especially tweens and teens, misinterpret jealousy, possessiveness, and anger as signs of intense passion and devotion.
One of the best ways to prevent domestic abuse is to talk to about what it takes to create and maintain healthy relationships.
“It’s important to educate and empower youth to envision and create a world free of abuse,” says Fayette Cares Executive Director Alexandra Wardlaw.
The skit depicts a young girl, her abusive boyfriend and responses from community members. Students get to explore characteristics of unhealthy and healthy relationships, warning signs of abuse, and how to help a friend in an unhealthy relationship.
Studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that about one in three adolescent girls in the U.S. is a victim of physical, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner. Studies have also found that 26 percent of teens in relationships were victims of cyber dating abuse.
To learn how to get help or help others, contact the Fayette Cares Victim Advocate at (901) 465-3802, Ext. 225 or advocate@fayettecares.org. If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, 24-hour help is available by calling (901) 466-0015.
