Caring
Unlimited’s Proactive Response to Teen Dating
Violence
More than one out of every four high school and college
age students experience violence in a dating relationship.
We believe that no person deserves to be abused and
that if we can see it—we can stop it.
In 1999 Caring Unlimited’s Community Response
Program launched its School-based Proactive Response
to Teen Dating Violence in partnership with Massabesic
High School. CU and Massabesic worked together on a
pilot project that will eventually expand to make training
available to high school students, faculty and staff
throughout York County with on-site services easily
accessible to students in each high school.
A core group of talented and enthusiastic student volunteers,
co-facilitated by school faculty and CU staff are at
the heart of this initiative. Young Adults Against Dating
Abuse, or YAADA as the group came to call itself, began
training on the dynamics of abusive dating relationships
and quickly developed a repertoire of interactive theatre
presentations that would win school board approval for
the program. An environment of administrative support
and the committed energies of students and staff alike
fostered the growth of a strong working team devoted
to providing education and services that help chart the
way to relationship experiences that are safe, healthy
and fulfilling.
Educational presentations for students and faculty
around York County have met with rave reviews and the
continuing development of a sustainable program of
services at Massabesic is underway!
YAADA has grown beyond Massabesic High School to include
members from a number of other schools in York County.
The group now is available to provide prevention-focused
trainings at high schools throughout the county and the
full Proactive Response to Teen Dating Violence program
will soon be expanding to additional high schools.
If your school would like information about the program,
or if you know a student who may be interested in joining
YAADA, please call CU at 490-3227 x110.
