Author: Amanda Wilson
Planning Unit: McCracken County CES
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Plan of Work: Leadership
Outcome: Initial Outcome
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s Domestic Violence Fact Sheet, One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. An estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year. It’s been found that 85% of domestic violence victims are women. Historically, females have been most often victimized by someone they knew. Females who are 20-24 years of age are at the greatest risk of non-fatal intimate partner violence. Most cases of domestic violence are never reported to the police. Grueling statistics, such as these, compels us as educators to bring awareness to these realities. The Paducah Tilghman High School (PTHS) Jr. Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Fields (Jr. MANRRS) participants partnered with Becoming Accomplished Beautiful Excellent & Successful (B.A.B.E.S), and Boys 2 Gentleman (B2G) in efforts to offer PTHS students information on how to obtain and foster healthy relationships. This was done by offering a school-wide panel discussion focusing on highlighting healthy relationships. The panel consisted of 11 adult community leaders, PTHS teaches/staff, and coaches. Students submitted questions prior to the event that they wanted to panel to answer. Youth participants consisted of 26 PTHS youth, males & females. Panel members used personal & professional experience to answer the questions, as well as provided contact information to resources in the community. Topics discussed were heathy dating, self-love, “saying no”, and healthy ways of integrating social and school life. The theme of the day was “Act like a lady, think like a man”. This concept is derived from a book, by Steve Harvey that gives dating tips to women. A representative from the Paducah Area Sexual Assault Center spoke to give facts on sexual assault, and provided resources if any other youth needed services. She also provided healthy relationship advice, and what to look for as it relates to abusive partners. Over 95% of participants verbally reported that the information was helpful and life-changing. Participants mentioned they did not feel the need to continue physical relationships after the panel discussion. The environment is very safe and transparent. The faculty leaders of Jr. MANRRS, B.A.B.E.S., & B2G felt the event was very successful, and she believe the youth gained useful information. It is her desire that the kids implement information gained in their lives.
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