Last week's tragic death of University of Virginia student and Notre Dame Prep alumna Yeardley Love has brought to light the issue of domestic violence among a population that may consider themselves immune -- young, well-educated girls.
For the past two years, Mercy High School, in conjunction with the House of Ruth, has addressed the issue with a Teen Dating Violence Prevention Program. This year, the program was held just days after Yeardly's death.
Teen Dating Violence Prevention Program
The Teen Dating Program, part of Mercy's required four-year seminar, begins in sophomore year and engages the students in discussion, role-playing and problem-solving activities, which are done over a period of time – not just a single presentation. Sessions are conducted by experienced professionals from the House of Ruth.
Kristy Cummings, Mercy's Director of College and Career Planning, coordinates The Teen Dating Violence Prevention Program, which also includes training for the faculty. She believes the program is important because “it makes our students and parents aware of not just the obvious physical dangers of abusive dating relationships, but also the more subtle warning signs, so that the potential victim can get out of the relationship before it becomes unsafe or even life-threatening.”
Parents were invited to attend a discussion with speakers from the House of Ruth on May 6. Tania Araya, LCSW-C, Manager of the Teen Dating Violence Prevention Program, said, “Mercy High School has fully embraced the Teen Program’s efforts to educate an entire school community about teen dating violence. That was clearly demonstrated in the number of parents and youth who attended, as well as the many thoughtful and insightful questions and comments elicited throughout the presentation."
Signs of an Abusive Relationship
If you, a friend, or an acquaintance is in a relationship that could involve abuse, you may experience or witness one or more of the following:
- Social withdrawal of the victim
- Efforts by one partner to seclude or control the other (for example: criticizing friends; restricting or taking access to passwords, cell phones, computers, keys, money, etc.).
- Frequent and intense arguing
- Physical marks
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Experts point out that an individual who is enduring abuse may not necessarily exhibit a stereotypical demeanor, such as being shy or meek. Likewise, those who appear socially comfortable or confident can still be experiencing mistreatment.
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