Youth action strategies in the primary prevention of teen dating violence

Authors:
KERVIN Denise, OBINNA Jennifer
Journal article citation:
Journal of Family Social Work, 13(4), July 2010, pp.362-374.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA

This paper highlights a school-based teen dating violence prevention project. The objectives were to provide opportunities for students to plan presentations and activities, and develop their knowledge and awareness about unhealthy gender norms, seen as an important root cause of relationship violence, particularly for teenagers. It also identified ways to cope with, and influence, their environment with respect to this issue. This project was conducted in a rural Wisconsin community over the course of 5 years. It started as a multi-school drop-in programme with students from various high schools, but ultimately evolved into a youth action team at an alternative high school as a for-credit service learning class. Findings showed the project to have promise in changing individual attitudes and beliefs while promoting onlooker intervention. This youth-led health approach provided opportunities for young people to become involved and empowered, and collaborating with schools proved to be a successful strategy. The authors conclude that, because unhealthy gender norms are so deeply entrenched, it is vital to encourage any positive shifts in attitudes and behaviours.

Subject terms:
interpersonal relationships, partner abuse, prevention, schools, violence, young people, attitudes, crime prevention;
Content type:
practice example
Location(s):
United States
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN online:
1540-4072
ISSN print:
1052-2158

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