April and May focused on educating middle school girls on “teen dating violence” with a Domestic Violence Coalition’s interactive presentation at Indianapolis Public Schools — School 56, 51 and KIPP Indy Public Schools.
The campaign was made complete with a special presentation by the from girls to the Julian Center. The girls prepared “Feel Good Bags” for the Julian Center to underscore their learnings and serve others as it relates to relationships. The “Feel Good Bags” included beautiful soaps and lotions for women that come to the Julian Center, and were made possible by a generous donation of products by Gilchrist and Soames.
Two facts that stood out for the girls that hit home were that violent behavior typically begins between the ages of 12-18 and that one and three adolescents in the U.S. is a victim of physical, emotional, verbal, or sexual abuse from a dating partner.
The Girl Talk program was highlighted by KIPP Indy when they presented to the Indianapolis Charter School Board. They were proud to announce that since the inception of the Girl Talk Program they have experienced a 71% reduction in middle school suspensions. This is one of the goals for the mentoring program.
For more information about Girl Talk or to become a mentor contact IUPUI Family, School and Neighborhood Engagement at 317-278-2000 or email at IN-FSNEWeb@exchange.iu.edu.
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