Dating Abuse and Violence Education (D.A.V.E.)

This on-going program addresses dating violence prevention and has been targeted almost exclusively towards eighth grade students in our communities.

The program creates awareness of the difference between caring for someone and controlling them. We do this through educating the children about:

• The reality of an abuse problem in our relatively small and safe community.
• What is and is not acceptable dating relationship behavior.
• The warning signs of behavior that will likely escalate into physical abuse.
• Without some form of intervention, youthful abuse patterns will not stop and will likely carry on into a marriage.
• Appropriate actions to take if they or a friend is in an abusive or controlling relationship.

In the 2002 - 2003 school year we are seeking funding to expand this program to encompass 7th through 9th grades providing three consecutive years exposure to the message. Research has long documented the critical impact of repetition in making a lasting mental impression.

The immediate benefit is to our community’s youth, and ultimately their families, as we preclude the onset of the abuse cycle. We believe the best alternative is to educate the students before the problem arises.

Other Activities

We continue to support other organizations such as CASA with funding donations.