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Innovative dating abuse prevention programs gather to share progress and lessons

Blog post

Youth and adult leaders implementing Teen Dating Violence Prevention Demonstration Projects funded by the California Department of Public Health Violence Prevention Unit (CDPH/VPU) gathered in Sacramento to share progress and lessons in implementing innovative dating abuse prevention strategies.

Initiated in 2010, the six Demonstration Projects focus on preventing dating abuse among youth ages 11-18, with a strong focus on middle school age youth. Each community is pilot-testing one of three innovative strategies in their community:

Close to Home: This strategy mobilizes a community network of youth, adults, and organizational leaders committed to domestic and dating abuse prevention and transforms environmental factors and social norms through local leadership projects. This strategy is being pilot-tested by:

GroundSpark/Respect for All: This strategy seeks to create inclusive, bias- and violence-free schools and communities through films, curriculum, and professional development workshops for youth, educators, and youth service providers. This strategy is being pilot-tested by:

Promoting Gender Respect: develops leadership skills of middle school aged boys to respond to and prevent gendered bullying and sexual and dating violence, and engages influential adults and partner organizations. This strategy is being pilot-tested by:  

Demonstration Projects are also participating in intensive technical assistance and training with state and national experts and collaborating with CDPH/VPU on project documentation and evaluation, including the development of case studies.

More information:

CDPH/VPH Teen Dating Violence Prevention Demonstration Projects

Domestic Violence Primary Prevention Technical Assistance & Training Project