Sponsored by the Virginia Department of Health in cooperation with the Department of Criminal Justice Services’ Virginia Center for School Safety

Training Overview

Dating abuse affects millions of youth in the United States every year. Studies show that youth exposed to violence are more likely to become involved in abusive relationships as adults. This is the reason it is important to discuss dating abuse with youth before they begin to date.

Choose Respect is a national initiative to help youth ages 11-14 form healthy relationships to prevent dating abuse before it starts. The initiative reaches out to youth in this age group because they are still forming attitudes and beliefs that will affect how they are treated and how they treat others. Choose Respect also connects with parents, teachers, youth leaders, and other caring adults who influence the lives of youth. The way youth act and treat each other is often a reflection of adults' actions. Healthy relationships are built on a foundation of respect. You can help by educating youth and adults about the Choose Respect initiative and how youth build healthy relationships.

The Virginia Department of Health in collaboration with the Virginia Center for School Safety is pleased to offer this upcoming Choose Respect: Healthy Teen Relationships Training. All training participants will receive a copy of the Choose Respect Video and Curriculum Guide. This guide will give you everything you need to present Choose Respect and lead a discussion about dating abuse in youth. Use this guide to engage youth or parents and other caring adults.

Course objectives include:

• Define dating abuse
• Identify an unhealthy relationship as depicted by characters in the Causing Pain: Real Stories of Dating Abuse and Violence Video List
• Recognize the qualities of healthy relationship behavior
• Demonstrate a way to tell youth in unhealthy relationships how to end the relationship or get help
• Identify the warning signs of an abusive relationship
• List recommendations for maintaining a healthy relationship
• Develop an activity to promote Choose Respect and healthy, respectful relationships in the community

Training Participants

This training is being offered to school safety practitioners (teachers, school resource officers, school security officers, school administrators and staff) who influence the lives of our youth. This program’s curriculum is directed at youth between the ages of 11 and 14. Law enforcement officers and school security officers completing this training will receive a PIC form indicating five hours of in-service training credit from the Department of Criminal Justice Services. Class will start promptly at 10:00 a.m. and will conclude no later than 3:00 p.m.

Training Costs

The Department of Health will provide this training free of cost. A working lunch will be provided. Additional meals and travel expenses are the responsibility of the participant. Class size is limited and registrations will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.

Training Dates and Locations

May 22, 2008
Virginia Beach Law Enforcement Training Academy
411 Integrity Way (mailing address)
411 Birdneck Circle (physical location)
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Auditorium
Facility Directions

May 30, 2008
Eanes-Pittman Public Safety Training Center (Chesterfield County Government Complex)
6610 Public Safety Way
Chesterfield, VA 23832
Shared Classrooms B - D
Complex Directions & Map
Academy Policies

June 9, 2008
Virginia Highlands Community College
Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
One Partnership Circle
Abingdon, VA 24212
Campus Directions
Campus Map

Upcoming Session(s)

• 05/22/2008 - 05/22/2008 - Virginia Beach, VA
• 05/30/2008 - 05/30/2008 - Chesterfield, VA
• 06/09/2008 - 06/09/2008 - Abingdon, VA

To register, visit our online registration system. Class size is limited and registrations are accepted on a first come-first serve basis.

Contact Information

For more information regarding this training, please contact Eunice Kendell at 804.786.0036 or Lynn McHugh at 804.225.2454.