loveisrespect Blog

Congratulations to the winners of the Tennessee Coalition Against  Domestic and Sexual Violence video contest!  These gifted students put a lot of hard work and effort into these videos, and they definitely deserve the credit they received.  Each video does a great job of discussing one or more aspects of dating violence.   

 “Somebody Say Something” by Sabrina Morris is a great example of how friends and family can help those who are in abusive relationships.  “Run Girl Run” by Courtney Pennington is a great illustration of how difficult and scary life can be while in an abusive relationship.  “Make a Difference” by Ciara Gray demonstrates how everyone has rights in their relationships and that everyone has the right to end a relationship.  “Somebody Say Something” by Kevin Scott Page shows that abuse is real.  Abuse should be discussed and dealt with and not be covered up.       

It is great to see how teens are spreading the word about dating violence in their communities.  Not only are these teens getting the message out, they are doing it in creative and impactful ways.  Think about all the things you like: do you like to act, make videos, sing, write, or play music?  Then you can help to end dating violence too!  Perform a skit, make a movie, sing a song, write a poem or short story, or play a song, or do something else… there is no limit on your creativity!

We are always eager to hear about what you are doing to end dating violence in your community and would love to hear from you.  Also, if you are having trouble coming up with a creative project, talk to us and we will help get started. 

Below is a link to check out all the winning videos.  Keep up the great work and congratulations!

www.somebodysaysomething.org

A very special benefit for loveisrespect, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline is coming up! “A Day to Shine: Prom Day Fashions Morning to Night” will be hosted at the Austin Country Club from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2009.

The event will feature a special guest with a message to teens and their dating relationships, as well as an exciting fashion show highlighting prom day attire from Dillard’s. The stylish outfits will be modeled by members of the Westlake High School service clubs, GETMAD (Girls Engaged to Make a Difference) and GENTS (Guys Exhibiting Needed Traits in Society).

Want to help make this benefit a true success by providing valuable help? You are invited to contribute to the event by hosting or underwriting a table for teens and their friends at this memorable luncheon.  Your support will save lives and prevent heartache for thousands of teens who turn to loveisrespect for help and guidance.

Please click here to make your contribution. In order to confirm your table sponsorship or receive more information, please contact Patty Robles or call 512.794.1133. Your reservations should be made by March 8, 2009 in order to be included on the event publicity.

Have you ever designed a shirt?  Do you like free prizes?  Have I got your attention yet?  BOM411.com has just launched its Design Not Drama campaign.  The campaign is a T-shirt contest that helps get the word out about domestic violence.  What a cool way to tell people about dating abuse!  The purpose of the campaign is to emphasize that “relationships come in all shapes and sizes… and they will involve some sort of drama.  How you decide to deal with that drama is up to you.”  

The contest is open to all California residents ages 15-19, and all entries are due December 5^, at 11:30 p.m. (for all you procrastinators, I recommend starting on your design before 11:29).  If you are not a resident of California, you should check out the T-shirt design anyway. 

CAUTION: The T-shirt design is highly addictive.  You may lose track of time while making your T-shirt, so make sure to have a clock nearby (in case you have to go to school, or in my case, get back to work).  

The winner of the contest receives a $1000 Apple gift card, 20 prints of his/her winning design, and a posting on the BOM411 website!  In other words, you could get a lot of cool stuff for expressing yourself.  We always have posted ways and tips for you to express your creativity to tell people about dating abuse, and we are ecstatic to hear that BOM411 knows that you guys are as creative as we have been saying!  (Also, free stuff never hurts.)  Below is a link to the contest.  Good luck to all participants… design your hearts out. 

Contest Link: http://www.designnotdrama.com/