Designed for adults who work directly with youth, either in a school or community setting, this resource is intended to assist youth workers in facilitating dialogue about teen dating violence and preparing them to teach healthy relationship skills to youth.
This resource is a byproduct of "Rhode Island's Domestic Violence Prevention Plan; Addressing the Violence Before It Starts," which was launched in February 2011. "Real Talk..." includes a facilitator's guide on teen dating violence; a facilitator's guide on healthy relationships; awareness activity ideas for schools and communities; Rhode Island and national resources; and sample lesson plans on healthy relationships. Among the topics addressed in the material are the definition of teen dating violence and patterns it may take, the nature of verbal or emotional abuse, physical dating abuse, sexual dating abuse, a three-stage cyclical pattern of abuse, factors that influence teen dating violence, teen dating violence in same-sex relationships, and the consequences of teen dating violence. Guidance is also provided on seeking help and ending an abusive relationship. School-based and community-based strategies for countering teen dating violence are described. References used in developing this material are listed.