Teen dating violence (TDV) is a pressing yet often overlooked issue that affects millions of young people every year. Here in Kendall County, a beacon of hope shines brightly through the Young Hearts program, an initiative of the Kendall County Women's Shelter (KCWS). This program is dedicated to preventing teen dating violence by teaching adolescents how to build and maintain healthy relationship dynamics.
Understanding Teen Dating Violence
TDV is a pervasive issue that affects a significant portion of the youth population. According to Love Is Respect—a national TDV prevention organization—one in three U.S. teens will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from a romantic partner before the age of 18. This alarming statistic underscores the necessity for proactive educational programs that address and mitigate such behaviors.
The Genesis of Young Hearts
In 2021, the KCWS decided to do something to help. Young Hearts was launched, beginning with five Boerne ISD students and a dedicated adult advocate. Their mission was to create a peer-to-peer education initiative focused on TDV awareness. Since then, the program has flourished, now with 18 students who get together every Monday after school with mentors Sarah Vacek and Rachel Perucki.
While maintaining its core emphasis on TDV, Young Hearts has broadened its scope to address other types of relationships, including friendships, familial bonds, and interactions with peers, siblings, classmates, or teammates. The program equips participants with healthy relationship skills applicable across all facets of their lives, fostering a comprehensive understanding of interpersonal dynamics. Initially, meetings attracted predominantly female participants. However, as more young men attended, they recognized that the issues discussed—dating violence, friendships, and family dynamics—are universal.
A Closer Look
Each Monday after school, the Young Hearts program convenes at the local high school, bringing together students and professionals for engaging sessions. Mentors Sarah and Rachel guide the meetings as participants delve into topics such as time management, co-dependency, and balancing various relationships in one's life. The curriculum, meticulously developed through a combination of research and student input, addresses areas where teens feel least prepared, ensuring relevance and engagement. By incorporating students' perspectives, the program empowers them to advocate for themselves and their peers, fostering a supportive community.
Meetings are also a lot of fun. Sessions often include engaging discussions and activities, pizza, and—at the end of each month—students are encouraged to invite friends to participate, broadening the program's reach and impact.
A Peer-Led Approach
Young Hearts has redefined the approach to preventing TDV by placing peer-led programs at its core. Recognizing that adolescents often better internalize messages delivered by other teens, Young Hearts has empowered local students to take the lead in educating their peers about healthy relationships.
The impact of this peer-led approach is profound. When students see their classmates leading discussions and workshops, it fosters a sense of trust and openness that is often harder to achieve in adult-led sessions. Beyond the classroom, these teen ambassadors extend their influence into the broader community. They organize workshops for parents, helping them recognize the signs of abuse and fostering open communication with their teens. Collaborations with local organizations amplify resources and services for victims while public awareness campaigns—including art contests, youth storytelling events, and social media challenges—engage a wider audience.
By entrusting teens with the responsibility to educate and advocate, Young Hearts not only equips them with valuable leadership skills but also creates a ripple effect of positive change throughout the community. This innovative, peer-led model stands as a testament to the power of youth engagement in addressing and preventing teen dating violence.
Looking Ahead
In the future, Young Hearts plans to expand into more schools in Kendall County and neighboring regions. The program also intends to standardize its curriculums, making the process seamless when other schools adopt their own prevention programs.
Young Hearts also envisions a future where every teen feels empowered to build and maintain healthy relationships. By continuing to educate, support, and inspire, the program hopes to reduce the prevalence of teen dating violence and create a generation that values respect, equality, and kindness.
In the fight against teen dating violence, the Young Hearts program stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives in addressing critical social issues. By equipping young people with the knowledge and tools to foster healthy relationships, the program not only combats TDV but also contributes to developing a more respectful and empathetic society. Through continued education, collaboration, and community engagement, Young Hearts is paving the way for a safer future for everyone in Kendall County and beyond.
kcwstexas.org/young-hearts | 830-331-8950
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By equipping young people with the knowledge and tools to foster healthy relationships, the program not only combats teen dating violence but also contributes to developing a more respectful and empathetic society.
PULL QUOTE 2:
Young Hearts has redefined the approach to preventing teen dating violence by placing peer-led programs at its core.