By Forum Staff
State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven) last week partnered with Day One, Safe Horizon and the City Police Department to host a special students-only teen dating violence prevention event at John Adams High School in Ozone Park. The presentation replaced eight regular health classes with a maximum of 33 students in each class over the course of the entire day.
Founded in 2003, Day One is a non-profit offering services to NYC youth age 24 and under. Its mission is to partner with youth to end dating abuse and domestic violence. Day One provides education and guidance on dating abuse and domestic violence; how to identify and maintain healthy relationships; obtain legal protection when necessary; and assist others experiencing abuse.
The presenters from Day One focused their presentation on dating and technology abuse, which is the topic the school leadership felt would be the most relevant to its students when given an array of subjects to choose from. Indeed, when asked several questions, the students’ responses were concerning. Many said they digitally share their location, phone password, and social media passwords with their partner.
Aimer Torres, one of the instructors from Day One, spoke about healthy relationships and sustaining relationships while using technology, identifying controlling and harmful aspects of technology in relationships and best practices for building safe and healthy relationships online.
Torres also shared some interesting statistics such as 50 percent of 14 – 24-year-olds experience some form of digitally abusive behavior. 27 percent have had their partner use social media to track their whereabouts and 21 percent of young people have had their partner read their texts without their consent.
“The students were highly engaged, sharing their experiences and gaining the language to define them—ultimately leaving more informed than when they arrived,” said Alexia P. Walker, community educator with Day One. “The more knowledge our young people have, the better equipped they are to support their peers and connect them to life-changing resources. A heartfelt thank you to Senator Addabbo for creating this invaluable opportunity for both professionals and young adults.”
When sharing tips on prevention and protection, Day One stressed that the victim is not to blame for the abuser’s actions. They recommended the following tips. Clearly state your wish to stop communication. Inform trusted individuals about the situation, avoid responding to the abuser’s messages, preserve evidence like texts, emails, etc. without responding and later decide if you would like to contact any authorities or support lines.
Safe Horizon representatives and Crime Victim Advocates from the NYPD 106th Precinct were stationed in the school’s cafeteria for the entire day to provide assistance and resources to anyone who needed it.
“By holding this event at a high school, we aim to empower our youth with the knowledge to recognize and prevent dating violence, fostering a safer community for all,” Senator Addabbo said.
After the day’s events were completed, Assistant Principal Scott Silverman offered the following words of wisdom: “Empower your mind, protect your future—choose real connections over digital distractions.”
