Numerous studies have shown that many victims of dating violence do not report what happens to them and do not seek services to help them deal with it. However, young people are most likely to listen to their peers for feedback, information, and advice. Teens have POWER in being role models and leaders in their communities, mobilizing their peers to take a stand against violence, and providing peer support.
We believe that violence prevention work should be led by and centered on young people, which is why we created the Youth REPs! This program focuses on engagement and education of youth in our community. Youth REPs inform our prevention programs, create awareness campaigns and lead efforts to educate their peers.
Over the course of the school year, Youth REPs receive in-depth training and education around topics related to relationships, dating violence, sexual assault/harassment, and bullying. They will explore the root conditions that contribute to and perpetuate these types of violence in our community, and ways that we can actively combat and shift harmful social norms in order to ensure that everyone thrives in safe, healthy relationships. Through their participation, Youth REPs also gain professional and practical skills such as public speaking, project planning and organization, marketing and more.
Click here for the application for the 2022-2023 school year.
