Expect Respect

February 8th, 2011

2-8-11The photo in today’s blog is a flyer from a presentation by a group of high school students named “Expect Respect,” from the Jewish Family Services Association. This presentation was the perfect opportunity for a parent to bring their children to learn about one of the most important issues a teen faces, dating abuse and violence. I don’t think I have ever been more impressed with a group of high schoolers, than I was tonight. Wow!
The statistics of relationship abuse are staggering, to say the least. When a young adult is abused by a partner, oft times the person will “go underground” with their feelings, telling no one about the abuse. Most times even the friends of the victim won’t tell authorities until it is too late.   This abuse is bullying on a private level. Bullying, to gain “control,” and coerce the victim to do what the perpetrator wants. Telltale signs of abuse to look for, were shown to help friends and family realize when a victim intervention needs to take place.
Many students this evening, had heard about One Million Acts Of Kindness and thought it would be a way to combat, well in advance, dating abuse and violence.

One Response to “Expect Respect”

  1. Jana Burkhardt says:

    I was apart of this orginization for all four years of my high school career. Expect Respect changed my life. Taught me information as well as great life skills. Teaching children is truly something I have become passionate about. I hope that everyone gets information about dating violence and bullying. Just the beginning step of awareness is exactly what people need to start making changes in their life. I could say countless things about this organization and I hope every area has something similar!