Feb 27, 2019 2 min read

Greene County Commissioners proclaimed February Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month during their regular meeting on Feb. 21.

While presenting the proclamation to staff members of the Greene County satellite office of Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania (DVSSP), the Commissioners encouraged all residents to work toward ending teen dating violence by empowering young people to develop healthier relationships, assisting victims in accessing the information and supportive services they need, and creating better and more resources for young people in need. They also urged residents to work toward instituting effective intervention and prevention policies in schools and engaging in discussions with family members and peers to promote awareness and prevention of the epidemic of teen dating violence.

The local DVSSP satellite office currently offers several awareness and prevention programs for area school districts. For students in grades kindergarten through five, the office presents “Connected and Respected,” a five-week program that helps children identify emotions and focuses on de-escalating from anger.

For middle school students, the office offers a “Safe Dates” program, which focuses on healthy relationships; and a dating violence program is offered to students in high school.

Finally, McCready encouraged students in junior high school through college to take part in a teen dating violence video contest. Participants are encouraged to gather their friends, family and/or teachers and create a two- to five-minute video showing why teen violence and abuse must be stopped.

Entries can be submitted by individuals or groups. Those participating should post their videos on Youtube and email their contact information and the link to find it to cm@peacefromdv.org, using the subject line “Teen Video Contest.” Prizes include $200 cash for most creative, $100 cash for second place and $50 for the runner-up. Videos will be judged based the following: Creativity/originality, relevance of message, does it reach the target audience (teen), video quality, does it include referrals/statistics and viewer likes.

Winners will be contacted, and the winning videos will be shown at the Dating Violence Program to be held in April. All entries are due by Feb. 28 at 4 p.m.; however, due to the inclement weather, the contest deadline may be extended. For learn more, call 724-852-2373 or visit www.peacefromdv.org.