Teen dating violence awareness training

To The Eagle:

In January of this year, the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WSCADV) released new research on domestic violence homicides in Washington State. Sixty eight women, men and children were murdered by an abuser in the last two years.

"These homicides tell us where we are falling short," said Nan Stoops, executive director of WSCADV. "They make it clear that we cannot rely on any one system or agency alone to end domestic violence. We all have a role to play."

The study puts forth 11 key goals for change. Achieving these goals would create more safe options for victims, effective responses to abusers and prevent abuse before it happens. The goals also address the key role domestic violence advocates play in helping victims plan for their safety. All professionals and community members are encouraged to contact The Charlotte House to learn about the range or services available here in Wahkiakum County.

February is nationally recognized as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. Advocates from The Charlotte House have been involved with the middle and high schools throughout this month, educating the teens on how to have a healthy relationship and to recognize "red flags" in potentially abusive partners, as well as offering practical tips on what to do if they were being abused.

Victims in 31 percent of studied cases were under 21 when they started dating the abuser. It was found that teen victims' parents did not have the information they needed. Many tried to be helpful and intervene but did not know about the supportive resources, like their local domestic violence program, that could help them in their efforts.

The Charlotte House, a program of St. James Family Center will be offering an interactive presentation in an effort to take on one of the goals addressed in the study. We'd like to turn to the adults in these teens' lives. We are offering a free training for parents, grandparents, teachers, counselors and any other adult that works with or cares about teens. By participating in In Their Shoes:Teens and Dating Violence, adults will learn what dating is like for today's teens by becoming a teen character, making choices about their relationship and seeing the results.

Please join us on February 28 at 7 p.m. at St. James Family Center for this presentation and thoughtful discussion about how adults can better understand and more effectively engage with teens.

If you have questions about the study, In Their Shoes, or any of the services The Charlotte House provides, please call 360-795-6401 or 1-866-795-9386. We are requesting you call us if you would like to sign up for the In Their Shoes workshop as we are limiting the number of participants to 25.

Susan Schillios

The Charlotte House