Intimate Partner Violence and Statutory Rape Prevention and Awareness In Teen Dating Relationships Funding Received

In 2010, RCASA received funding from the Division of Injury and Violence Prevention (DIVP) at the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to implement activities for teen dating violence prevention.  RCASA will be implementing the Choose Respect Plays and Crossing the Line Presentations with allied partners to teens and parents. With funding from the Mary Washington Healthcare Community Services Fund, we will be continuing this program in 2011

This program is based upon a social ecological model (a public health model) that focuses on positive changes at the individual, relationship, community, and society levels.  The "Zones" of the Choose Respect Playbook reflect this model. 

As reported by the VDH, studies indicates that 9.9% of youth report being a victim of physical dating abuse each year and one in four youth reports verbal, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse each year.  Teen dating violence can impact the healthy development of youth, Another study indicates that 5% of males and 13% of females experience statutory rape at first sex.  Those who have been abuse are more likely to binge drink, be depressed, get into fights, commit suicide, report current sexual activity, get lower grades, have low self-esteem, abuse their future dating partners, and become pregnant.

If you are interested in a Choose Respect Play and/or a Crossing the Line Presentation, please contact RCASA at 540-371-6771 and ask to speak to Education Services/Prevention Coordinator.