Sex, Etc. -- Make a Difference Dating Violence

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Katie, 17: "I never thought my voice and what I have to say would change anyone's life. However, I have done that and it feels great!"

Lauren, 18: "Being a Peer Educator has changed my life in many different ways. I used to think about myself and now I think of all the people around me and try to help."

A group of teen peer educators from Pennsylvania has a lofty goal: to educate and train students in grades 10-12 to go out and teach elementary, middle and high school students about topics like dating violence, HIV/AIDS, homophobia, harassment, body image and STD’s.

Anonymous, 16: "That’s how my first 'love' was. This boy loved chess. But more than that, he loved to beat me up—emotionally and physically—until I believed I had no other choice than to take his abuse."

Unfortunately, in real life dating violence happens to teens all too often. Here is real-life story written by a 16 year-old girl about her experience with dating violence.

Read Story

	Know the early warning signs of an abusive relationship, and learn how to break the cycle of abuse.
	Have important conversations. If you think your friend may be experiencing emotional or physical abuse, check out these suggestions for how to help.
	Join the Youth Outreach for Victim Assistance (YOVA) program. YOVA is a national youth leadership program. YOVA trains teens to educate other teens on the dynamics of victimization and to provide information on where young people can turn for help and support.

Young women age 16 to 24 experience the highest rates of relationship violence. Today, young men are recognizing the harm that they do to women and stepping up to the plate to do their part to stop dating violence. Just check out the men involved in the national organization Men Can Stop Rape.

Men Can Stop Rape

Got ideas about ending dating violence? Share them with us.

Are you already doing something to help end dating violence? Are you helping yourself, a friend, your school or community? Tell us about it and maybe you’ll be the next teen in the spotlight!