Blog

The domestic violence presentations focused on understanding and preventing domestic violence that can occur in relationships. This is important for the work that we do at the Youth Zone because this awareness can help youth coaches and other staff get some of the?education?they need about domestic violence. This knowledge can help to recognize signs of domestic violence and give support to youth that may be?impacted?by it.?Raising awareness not only helps us all become better able to identify early warning?signs but also helps us to encourage healthy relationships.? 

While sitting with?youth?at the What’s Next event, it was clear that the youth were interacting with each other, laughing,?talking?and enjoying themselves. Additionally, some of their comments about domestic violence showed that they were listening to the presentations. Some of the quotes were: “it’s crazy how many people are willing to help, but they never seem to know when someone is being hit” and “my grandma said love doesn’t hurt, but loving the wrong person sometimes does.” During the High School Night event, some?youth?were laughing at?the presenters’ examples. One young lady made a comment to correct her peers saying, “it’s only funny because you never been through it.”? 

Overall, these presentations were beneficial because information was provided so that?youth?would know how and where to get support if needed.?