The Center for Disease Control reports that among high school students who date, 21-percent of girls and 10-percent of boys experience physical or sexual dating violence. Victims of dating violence are more likely to experience anxiety and depression, engage in risky behaviors and substance use, and be victimized again later in life. In recognition of Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, a coalition of local organizations has planned a day of educational activities this Wednesday, Feb. 15, including activity periods during the school day at Wilton High School with different age-appropriate programs tailored to each grade.
The senior and junior classes will attend Can I Kiss You?, presented by the Date Safe Project. Students will learn skills for making safe, smart decisions about respect in relationships, consent, bystander intervention, and supporting survivors of sexual assault.
The Yellow Dress will be performed for the sophomore class. This dramatic one-woman play is based on the stories of young women who were victims of dating violence. It is a carefully constructed program that teaches audience members to identify different types of abuse, recognize early warning signs, and understand how to help someone in an abusive relationship. The WHS chapter of Teen PeaceWorks, a student-led group that raises awareness about intimate partner violence and maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships, was instrumental in bringing this presentation to the high school after a well-received performance at the Wilton Library in September.
For the freshman class, PeaceWorks educators from the Domestic Violence Crisis Center will lead a program focusing on how to identify unhealthy relationships, recognize early warning signs, and help peers at risk.
Later, on Wednesday evening, the Wilton Domestic Violence Task Force, in conjunction with Teen PeaceWorks, Wilton High School PTSA, Wilton Library and Wilton Youth Council, present Don’t Be Prey, Be Empowered at 7-8:30 p.m. in the Wilton Library Brubeck Room. The program will open with a screening of the award-winning documentary, The Hunting Ground, about the staggering rate of sexual assault on campus. Since its premiere at Sundance, the film has been shown at the White House and on hundreds of college campuses.
This special viewing at the Wilton Library will be followed by a panel discussion with local experts on consent, reporting and resources. Supplemental information and pamphlets will be available before and after the event. This presentation is appropriate for high school students and adults. The program is free but registration is highly recommended online or by calling 203.762.6334.