In January 2007, a 15 year old St. George girl was raped, strangled, and killed by a 14 year old boy she had just met. This is just one extreme case of what dating violence can lead to. Please join with us February 5-9 for the National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Week, to learn how you can protect yourself from dating violence. 

During this week, get your school involved by hosting a Stomp or Dance, an Awareness Campaign with a pod cast or texting, or simply by discussing it in your classrooms. 

Some of the following information may be helpful in learning more about this issue.

Dating Rights-I have the right:
To be treated with respect
To my own body, thoughts, opinions, and property
To have my needs be as important as my partner’s
To not take responsibility for my partner’s  behavior
To keep my friends
To grow as an individual
To change my mind
To determine how much time I spend with my partner
To not be abused physically, emotionally, or sexually
To break-up, fall out of love, or leave a relationship    

What Victims of Dating Violence Need to Know
The abuse is not your fault.
You do NOT deserve to be abused.
You can’t change someone who is abusive.
Staying in the relationship won’t stop the abuse.
Over time, the abuse will get worse

Behaviors that are Often Seen in People Who Abuse Their Partners:
Jealousy
Controlling behavior
Unrealistic expectations
Isolation
Blaming others for problems
Hypersensitivity
Verbal abuse/name calling
Breaking or striking objects
Constantly checking up on partner

If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-897-LINK 24 hours

There are many forms of educational packets and media that you and your school will receive or may purchase. Please see your counseling office for details.

Sandy City has provided every high school with a DVD on dating violence.

You can find a full packet of information on how to hold your Awareness Week at www.utahpta.org on the Student Involvement Commissioners page.

You may also purchase the packet, with the Sandy City’s DVD, as well as a CD with two original songs for $4.00. Please send checks to:
Utah PTA
5192 Green Pine Drive
Murray UT 84123
Or call: 801-260-3100  

Other helpful sources include:
-Power in You also addresses dating dangers at www.powerinyou.org 

-Some great books to read are:
“But I Love Him, Protecting Your Teen Daughter”
“Helping Her Get Free”
“In Love and In Danger”
“Not Another Sarah”
Saving Beauty from the Beast”

-House Bill 247 (Domestic Violence and Dating Violence Amendments) by Rep. Litvack, addresses Dating Violence. Let your Representative and Senator know that you would like to see it past. You can read the bill at www.le.state.ut.us