Domestic Abuse

School Based Programs

Caring Unlimited’s School-Based Programs make resources available to educators to help students become respectful, empathic, peaceful and productive adults. This type of education motivates young people to be proactive in bringing an end to violence in their communities.

Our objectives are to:

  • Be sure students receive a consistent message of non-violence from all adult role models in their schools.
  • Raise awareness about the prevalence of dating abuse and domestic violence in our community.
  • Give students the tools to speak up and advocate for one another, while recognizing how their everyday actions affect the level of violence in our culture.

Classroom Presentations

The following classroom presentations are based on Caring Unlimited’s mission to end domestic violence in York County where everyone is treated with respect and able to live free from the threat of violence. Caring Unlimited youth educators team with trained Young Adults Against Dating Abuse (YAADA) using interactive activities, skits, stories and videos as tools to engage audiences in learning how to avoid dating violence and how to get help if they need it.

HANDS ARE NOT FOR HITTING

Grades K-3 • Presentation Time 30-40 minutes

We read the story book Hands Are Not For Hitting followed by a discussion and an art activity. Students also identify people in their life they can go to for help if they are feeling unsafe.

RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS

Grades 4-6 • Presentation Time 45-60 minutes

Feelings often associated with disrespectful behavior are explored. Students will participate in skits that explore healthy and unhealthy expressions of frustration, sadness, jealously and anger, learn the definition of domestic violence and about resources for help and support.

HEALTHY AND UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

Grades 7-8 • Presentation Time 50-80 minutes

Students learn to identify what an abusive relationship is, what it looks like, why it happens and how to help a friend.

DATING VIOLENCE

Grades 9-12 • Presentation Time 50-80 minutes

The high school program is designed to increase awareness and understanding of concepts of power and control and its relationship to dating abuse and violence in our culture.

Students explore the role media play in our perceptions of ourselves and our relationships. We expand on concepts of gender socialization and how to support a friend in an abusive relationship including where to get help.

FACULTY/STAFF SUPPORT

We provide consultation and training about domestic/dating violence to school faculty and staff including how to recognize it and what to do about it. We also offer Domestic Violence in the Workplace presentations on request. Contact us anytime for more information about how we can help.

YAADA Groups & Advocacy

Young Adults Against Dating Abuse

YAADA is a group of students, sponsored by Caring Unlimited, who spread awareness about dating abuse and domestic violence. There are currently four schools in York County with YAADA groups:

Massabesic, Sanford and Wells High Schools and Thornton Academy.

Students take an eight hour training to learn how to be a resource for students who are in abusive relationships or know someone who is. YAADA meets weekly to plan presentations and awareness activities, support peers and hang out.

If you are interested in starting a YAADA group at your school contact us.

School Based Program: 207-490-3227 ext. 103

Student Discussion Groups

Our School-based staff is prepared to help you create and facilitate student discussion groups.

The purpose of this program is to provide a safe space for students to find their voices, feel heard and begin to define a meaningful role for themselves in the community.

Groups are generally designed to be held for 6 to 10 weeks in 45 minute to 1 1/2 hour increments. Topics may include friendships, relationships, family, social issues facing young people, media, violence and how to make a difference. Ask about Turn Beauty Inside Out, a media literacy awareness program for girls.

One to One Advocacy

School-based advocacy is available from our School-based staff and/or our YAADA students. An advocate may be called to your school to meet one-to-one with a student dealing with dating abuse issues. This program also offers consultation and resources for teachers, guidance counselors and school administration with trainings available on request.

 

Home | Back to Previous Page