These suggested activities are simple, low-cost activities that will make a real difference. They can be implemented in the classroom (with teacher assistance), in after-school and youth groups, or with your friends at home! REMEMBER – if you or someone you know is possibly a victim of abuse – there are people who can help!
Activity: Make your voice count! Send a letter to your members of Congress.
Description: Let your elected officials know that you won’t stand for teen dating violence in your school or community. Encourage them to get the facts and to connect with Break the Cycle for helpful resources and more information. Make the letter personal – tell them why this cause is important to you!
Resources:
Activity: Set up a table at school during lunch and pass out handouts from thesafespace.org!
Description: Make a banner to attach to your table showing your support for healthy relationships. Download our “palm” card and several of our handouts from thesafespace.org; print many copies and distribute them at lunch to your classmates! Talk to your teacher about making copies, setting up a table and handing out this important information.
Tools needed: Poster board, construction paper, markers, tape, table and chairs
Resources:
Activity: Share your story.
Description: Send the Safe Space your stories, poetry and real life accounts to commemorate National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week. Selected submissions will be posted on the Safe Space website (all testemonials will be kept anonymous.)
Remember, your story may inspire someone else to stand up or seek help!
Tools needed: A computer, an internet connection and your creativity!
Activity: Promote Healthy Relationships
Description: Print the Safe Space Poster (or make your own!) and post them around your school. (Or make your own! Suggested titles: “Abuse is NEVER okay,” and “Stand UP and Speak OUT against Teen Dating Abuse.” Make sure to include The Safe Space’s web address!
Tools Needed: Printer and 8.5″ x 11″ paper (posters will need to be cut out.) Posterboard, Markers, Tape, Extra art supplies for design (glitter, etc.)
LINKS:
Activity: Wear a Purple Ribbon in support of teen dating violence awareness.
Description: Make a purple ribbon (the official color of domestic violence awareness) and wear it for the day. When people ask about it, tell them about National Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Week and let them know how domestic violence affects youth
Tools needed: Purple ribbon (available at most grocery and drug stores); safety pin.
If you're in immediate crisis, call 911 or the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline at 1.866.331.9474 or chat now: