7: Healthy Love for All

Today, in honor of Teen Dating Violence Prevention Month, we’re talking domestic violence prevention. Jessica and Laine talk with Jennine Devenuti, YWCA’s Education and Prevention Manager, and Kelsey Fischer, YWCA’s Youth Advocate, to learn more about YWCA’s Healthy Love program and why prevention work is so important to ending domestic violence.

The program – The Healthy Love curriculum first looks at the root causes of violence – gender, stereotypes, privilege and oppression (to name a few) - and then looks at the messages that are portrayed about these issues in the media. After establishing this foundation of understanding, the teens discuss what unhealthy relationships look like and what skills can be used to promote healthy behaviors. The Healthy Love curriculum was created by YWCA’s Prevention Program, and draws from outside resources like Owning Up (http://culturesofdignity.com/portfolio/owning-up/) and Making the Peace (https://preventipv.org/materials/making-peace-15-session-violence-prevention-curriculum-young-people).

Resources for teens and parents – There are a lot of great resources for both parents and teens online. Scarleteen (http://www.scarleteen.com/) is a website that covers inclusive, comprehensive and supportive sexuality and relationship info. Love is Respect (http://www.loveisrespect.org/) has resources to empower and educate young people to prevent and end abusive relationships. Other websites like Break the Cycle (https://www.breakthecycle.org/) and That’s Not Cool provide resources about teen dating violence and technology abuse. The YWCA is also a resource for teens and parents who are seeking resources or advice on healthy relationships – to contact our Prevention team, please see their info below.

A conversation for everyone – Conversations about healthy relationships can start at any age. If you are a parent and are interested in more resources for talking to your child about prevention and healthy relationships – romantic or otherwise - reach out to YWCA’s prevention team at [email protected] or 253.272.4181 ext 269.