Strong Spirit Objective: To educate and spread the awareness on Teen Dating Violence through the philosophy of traditional teachings, values and the maintaining of cultural identity. In a study of High School students 1 in 5 girls report being physically or sexually assaulted by a dating partner. More than half of all rapes of females occur before age 18 plus 22% occur before age 12. Forty to 66% youth in violent relationships indicate being both perpetrators and victims of intimate partner violence. Research has shown that young teens who are victims of abuse, or abusers themselves, are more likely to be victims or abusers in the future. This cycle of relationship abuse- for victim as well as abusers- makes prevention even more critical. Abuse and violence is becoming more prevalent in the school systems throughout the country and even more so within the Native American Communities today. By educating our youth about abuse we increase the awareness of domestic violence and bring domestic violence to the light and give voice, hope and knowledge to those who remain silent to this epidemic along with the courage to step up and be a part of making a difference in ending the cycle of abuse and violence! Strong Spirit Goal: Through the campaign teens will identify various types of abuse, intervention/ prevention strategies, gain insight and knowledge on the issue of abuse and violence, along with the provided material and available resources. Research show that programs focusing on reducing violence in teen dating relationships and promoting healthy respectful relationships show promising results. The majority of the programs that have focused on increasing students’ awareness and knowledge about dating violence have proven the changing in attitudes and norms that condone violence, building conflict resolution and communication skills. Given that many of these prevention programs have only been short-term intervention, the results are particularly encouraging and demonstrate a potential to impact public health. Clearly the prevention of dating violence requires a commitment (both financial and otherwise) with the goal of establishing a consistent, coordinated, and integrated approach in every school system and community (O’Keefe, 2005). Through the “Strong Spirit….Life is Beautiful not Abusive” Campaign it is our goal to empower the youth to make sense of their lives by allowing them to explore the various fundamentals of self-respect, respecting others, recognizing the importance of self worth, to promote healthy dating relationships and prevent dating abuse. It is our duty to make our youth truly feel that they matter, that their spirit can be strong and that their life can be beautifully balanced and safe without abuse or violence! (This one hour presentation will take place during the school assembly).
Thank you...
Thank you to the Navajo Nation Office of the Prosecutor
*For booking information please contact Ms. Cody at booking@radmillacody.net. Thank you! |
