The strength of a community can be measured in many ways, such as by how its members treat each other and how they raise their children. As part of a powerful drive toward building strong children, Help End Abuse for Life (HEAL) and The Nest have recently created youth outreach programs for local school districts.
Two school counselors, Kelly Shaw of Ruidoso Middle School and Gretchen Chase of the Ruidoso High School, asked HEAL staff to create two outreach presentations about teen dating violence and date rape (sexual assault) for the students. Seeing an opportunity to begin making an impact on a preventative level, staff quickly got to work.
Rozlyne Long, an advocate at The Nest domestic violence shelter, took on the project with assistance from HEAL staff writer Michael Hoppal. “Our goal was to ensure the students had the opportunity to learn to identify healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationships. It was important we opened the door for future communication with them so they would know they had access to resources if they decide they do need help,” Hoppal said.
“We had to make sure the message we sent was one of compassion and education,” Long said. “We wanted to get them thinking and talking about what relationships look like when they’re healthy, consensual and constructive, rather than destructive.”
The first presentation about teen dating violence was held at the Mescalero Apache tribal schools. All of the 8-12 grade students assembled for a 90 minute presentation by HEAL Advocate Kathryn Walker, who had worked with several Peer Advocates, leaders amongst the students, for two months prior to the assembly.
Ruidoso Middle School received a dating violence presentation in late March. Shaw reflected on the success of the program so far, noting that of the 120 students who watched the presentation, several had already identified as wanting more help.
“The kids said they love the information and learned a lot,” she said. “They said it was eye-opening and several had an engaging discussion. I am looking forward to getting a few students to open up as they become more comfortable.”
Shaw also noted that reaching youth in middle school is crucial. “This is a transitional period for them,” she said. “They have trouble with things. They are emotional, not as mature, they have growing pains and things seem very permanent. Our work here is heartbreaking and gratifying. They can know that it doesn’t have to stay the same – that people can help them.” Shaw further said that holidays, spring break and summer vacation can often be the most stressful times for students if their home situation is unstable or unhealthy.
The next presentation was delivered at the Carrizozo Middle School at the request of teacher English teacher Sarah Ball. Thirteen freshman and sophomore students, both boys and girls, received the information.
Lastly, at the end of the school year, another presentation will be held at Ruidoso High School during the last week of April. It will cover sexual violence and assault, information about healthy boundaries and prom safety tips.
“Though we live in a community deeply affected by violence, at HEAL we believe we violence prevention and education for our youth should be a priority,” Executive Director Coleen Widell said. “By working with youth and school staff through our outreach presentations and programs like Challenge Day, we begin taking action that is proactive, preventive and more effective.”
Pictured is HEAL teen outreach coordinator Rozlyne Long.
