Teen Stories:

MONIQUE
Read Monique’s story about her "perfect catch" and how she did not recognize the signs of her unhealthy relationship. Her story conveys the importance of knowing the warning signs – especially online or through text messaging.

"Monique began dating her boyfriend in the 7th grade. To most of her friends, Monique’s boyfriend was the perfect catch – athletic, involved in school activities, funny..."  Read More »

DAVID
Read David’s speech, given at a National Foundation of Women Legislator’s conference in September 2009. He provides a unique sibling’s perspective on how his sister’s relationship, and ultimate fatality, has affected him and his family.

"Young people simply do not know much at all about dating violence. When I was in middle or high school and heard in passing about abuse in a relationship, I frankly didn’t know what to do or think. I didn’t like it, but it was somewhat taboo and unfamiliar..." Read More »

JULIE

Surrounded by family, friends and supporters for teen dating abuse education, Julie provided moving testimony about abuse she endured by her father and countless instances encountered by teens in her community to the Ohio Senate Education Committee in Support of House Bill 19 in November 2009.

"My testimony comes from a double perspective: as a witness to what is going on in the dating scene of teens and young adults, and as living proof that education works to break the cycle of domestic violence..."
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