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24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 208.343.7025 24-hour Rape Crisis Hotline: 208.345.7273 (RAPE)

Tracy Darling-DeMarcus, Community Engagement Specialist

February is Teen DV Month orangeI want to put myself out of a job.  This statement gets me a lot of funny looks.  I say this when I present to students for a couple of reasons.  First, to catch attention that may have wandered to lunchtime or after school plans, but second because I truly hope there is a day when an agency like the WCA does not need to exist.  I believe that by educating young people about healthy relationships and dating violence, these students can be the generation that puts the WCA out of business.

February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.  Unfortunately dating violence is all too common.  One in three adolescents in the U.S. is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner.  Dating violence can also cause negative side effects later in life such as substance abuse, eating disorders, attempted suicide, and domestic violence (loveisrespect.org).

In the past year, the WCA’s student prevention program has grown significantly.  So far in the 2017-2018 school year, the WCA has engaged with more than 925 junior high and high school students in the Treasure Valley.  Through our classroom presentations and activities, we discuss healthy and unhealthy relationships, red flags, and how to help a friend.  Our goal is to empower young people to build healthy relationships, raise awareness about dating violence, and educate their peers on the signs of abuse.

After going through an activity, one 9th grade student said “I feel that I understand more about how to be safe and look out for others.”  Another 9th grader said “If I’m ever in any of these situations I have a source I can go to.”

Though our program is expanding, we aren’t able to speak with every student in the Treasure Valley.  It will take all of us to end dating and domestic violence.  As parents, teachers, aunts, uncles, coaches, and supporters of teens, it is our responsibility to be talking to them about relationships.  The WCA has many other resources available for talking to teens about relationships, from workshops for parents to education for youth-serving professionals.

Everyone has a hand in ending dating violence!  Find out what you can do to prevent dating violence for the teens in your life by visiting our website (wcaboise.org) or loveisrespect.org!

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EVENTS

Oct 18

2023

Witches Night Out at the Village

Mark your calendars for Witches Night Out on October 18, 2023 from 6 – 9 p.m. Wednesday, October 18 we will be celebrating Witches Night Out at The Village at Meridian, hosted by Meridian’s Centercal Properties and its marvelous merchants. Several sponsors help make the evening a resounding success, raising funds for the WCA’ clients’ […]

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Dec 14

2023

Concert for Cause

Mark you calendars for 2023 Concert for Cause – December 14th Thursday, December 14th 94.9 The River is excited to present headlining artist Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness with Michigander and Arlie for their 2023 Concert for Cause benefitting the WCA! Join us at The Knitting Factory Concert House in Bodo for an evening of […]

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