FEBRUARY IS TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH (TDVAM)
The Retreat Works to Support and Empower Teens
Teaching Teens How to Ask for Help
By Christina, a Retreat Volunteer and College Student In light of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, the Retreat’s Teen Leadership Council (TLC) received training on how to ask for help when experiencing unhealthy or abusive behaviors in relationships. TLC learned to make a Resilience Plan consisting of three different groups of people–parents/other trusted adults, peers, […]
Students Shine a Light on Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
Michelle Trauring on Feb 21, 2024 | 27East.com SEE THE FULL ARTICLE SPREAD HERE. A hot topic of conversation among Salome Galindo and her girlfriends at East Hampton High School is, perhaps unsurprisingly, love found and lost, and the relationships they immerse themselves in. She can say, with certainty — through what she’s learned as […]
Art+Activism: Empowering Student Voices During Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
The Retreat and The Watermill Center present a unique opportunity for high school students interested in positively impacting their community. Art+Activism: Social Justice Makers will be held at The Watermill Center on Tuesdays in February from 5:30 to 7 PM.
Students participating in Art+Activism: Social Justice Makers will draw inspiration from the work of Artists-in-Residence at the Watermill Center who have utilized art to express their voices and work together to harness the power of art as a means for social change. The series will culminate in a final project showcasing work created by the students at The Watermill Center, with the goal of bringing attention to Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in February.
“We’re excited for students to embark on this transformative journey as they delve into the powerful combination of art and activism,” said Courtney Hyland, Associate Director of Education. “The Retreat works to empower young people of all ages, including through our Teen Leadership Council, and we’re always looking for new ways to engage our youth leaders in community initiatives. This program does just that, while aligning with our mission to promote respect and prevent abuse.”
From Ava Locks, Education and Public Programs Manager at The Watermill Center, “Our Art + Activism program introduces teens to Artists who are driving social change through their creative practice. We are thrilled to expand our enduring partnership with The Retreat and to support the vital work of their Teen Leadership Council. I hope these workshops will ignite their sense of agency as community advocates and creative thinkers.”
The Retreat and The Watermill Center have been collaborating for over 10 years.
“The Watermill Center has generously invited Retreat clients and staff to use its space and programs to create and inspire. Our shelter families have participated in fun and educational experiences, and they have found healing through these programs,” said Loretta K. Davis, Executive Director of The Retreat. “The students in our Teen Leadership Council have also benefited from advocacy and art projects there.”
Students who actively participate in Art + Activism will be granted community service hours.
“This is a unique opportunity for teens to use their voices in empowering and artistic ways. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or someone eager to learn about social activism, Art+Activism is designed for you,” said Hyland.
Registration is here: https://forms.gle/ETvaGhpcx1TbxnVt6
East End nonprofit gives teen victims of dating violence advocacy, counseling
The Retreat is unique because it has a teen leadership council and teen advocates. Some of the volunteers share their stories of relationship violence and let others know there is help.
Preventing Dating Violence Among Teens
You know those candy hearts with the cute sayings? The Retreat’s Teen Leadership Council, a group of East End students that explores healthy relationships through educational activities, honest conversations, and advocacy projects, has come up with an all new version with empowering phrases.
The Retreat: Helping Teens Set Healthy Relationship Boundaries
One in 3 young people will be in an abusive or unhealthy relationship. During this Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, The Retreat’s Teen Leadership Council is working to bring that statistic as close to zero as possible.
2022 Art Contest
The New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence is holding its annual Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month art contest to raise awareness about the issue. The 2022 contest, with the theme of “Know Your Worth” is open to anyone in New York State between the ages of 12 and 20. Submissions will be accepted until […]
Why We Need Awareness
In the United States, the highest rates of rape and sexual assault are experienced by teens ages 12 to 19. 1 in every 3 teens in the US will be physically, sexually, or emotionally abused by someone they are in a relationship with. Nearly half (43%) of college women report experiencing violent or abusive dating […]
What is it like to talk to an adult about dating?
Each February, The Retreat honors Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month because dating violence among teens is more common than people think. 26% of women and 15% of men experience intimate partner violence for the first time before the age of 18. 1 in 11 young women and 1 in 15 young men reported experiencing physical […]
