Teen Dating Violence Awareness program returns to middle school

Overlook Middle School and SimplexGrinnell partnered together to bring the Teen Dating Violence Awareness Project to the students again this year.

The comprehensive program, which focuses on peer relationships and dating violence, features a full slate of activities that took place all last week.

The events included a community night on Thursday. Ellen Miller of the Worcester County District Attorney's Office gave a presentation entitled "Talking to Your Kids About Internet Safety."

Those in attendance also got a chance to view the Clothesline Project, a display of hundreds of t-shirts created by victims of violence that represents how violence can impact individual lives.

"We're proud of our continued support of the Teen Dating Violence Awareness Project," said Dave Baer, vice president of marketing at SimplexGrinnell. "From the beginning of our involvement, we've been impressed with the comprehensiveness, sensitivity and value of this exceptional program and how it serves students and the community as a whole."

In addition to Community Night, the Teen Dating Violence Awareness Project includes classroom lessons taught by Nick Howe, the education coordinator from Battered Women's Resources.

The students were challenged to explore their own attitudes and beliefs regarding relationships, and had the opportunity to increase their awareness of dating violence and the warning signs of abusive relationships.

"This program has only been able to continue and grow because of the support of SimplexGrinnell and the efforts of its employees," said Cathy Keene, Overlook school counselor. "It is so important for our students to learn about healthy relationships now, especially with the challenges they face in today's society. The commitment of SimplexGrinnell with time and resources sends the message to our students that this issue is important and that the community cares."

The students saw a performance of "The Yellow Dress," a dramatic one-woman play produced and directed by Deana's Fund, and viewing of the Clothesline Project.

"The Yellow Dress" provides valuable insights by telling the story of a young woman involved in an abusive relationship. Students discussed the play in small groups with adults. The morning ended with a panel of resource experts from the school, police department, District Attorney's Office and Battered Women's Resources sharing information about how to get help.

On Thursday, May 10, "Voices of Men" will be performed at Oakmont High School for students in grade 8 and above. Ben Atherton Zeman is the author and main character of the play. He uses humor, celebrity impressions and video clips to deal with issues of dating and domestic violence, sexual harassment and sexual assault.

SimplexGrinnell's sponsorship of the Teen Dating Violence Awareness Project is a key component of an overall program with the Ashburnham Westminster Regional School District, according to the company. The program also includes the development and distribution of newsletters and brochures to the community, scholarships for graduating seniors, support for end-of-year school celebrations and volunteer activities in the schools.

SimplexGrinnell, a business of Tyco Fire & Security, provides a comprehensive array of fire alarm, fire sprinkler, fire suppression, integrated security, sound and healthcare communications systems and services.