Violence Prevention Education

CWS’ Violence Prevention Program offers a 10-session curriculum to Middle School and High School students in Clackamas County to help stop abuse before it happens. The program, which is designed to be inclusive of different learning styles, gives students the opportunity to practice bystander intervention, helps them to identify different types of violence, and provides them with practical tools so that they can address violence when they see it. The program follows a collaborative education model, which encourages students and instructors to find common ground and keeps the door open for students to shift their perspectives.

At this point in the school year, we have provided presentations to 3,093 students, already surpassing last year’s total of 2,553. The Violence Prevention Program is now in 17 schools, approximately half of the Middle Schools and High Schools in Clackamas County.

Based on High School student responses to post-class surveys last year, we are certain these presentations are needed. Of the 1423 students surveyed, 30% identified that a current or past dating partner had yelled at them, put them down, or called them names. More than 16%identified that a current or past dating partner had used threats or manipulation to try to keep them from breaking up, and almost 8% identified as having experienced sexual assault or rape.

As we reflect on the prevalence of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse among teens during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, this program reminds us that violence is preventable. It exists not because there are inherently good and bad people, but because of beliefs about power that promote inequality and mistrust. The earlier and more comprehensively we start addressing these beliefs, the more effectively we will be able to end all forms of violence, from bullying to sexual assault.