Supporting SAFE

Vital Stats

Samantha T

Three Bridges, NJ

  • People Doing It2

The Problem

Domestic violence and sexual assault affect many people in the community. Children who witness domestic violence are often affected both physically and psychologically. They are more likely to abuse their own children when they grow up. We want to help break the cycle of violence. Currently the "SAFE in Hunterdon" outreach center has a waiting room for young children and a meeting/group room for adults, but no place designed for teens receiving services.Our project will address the need for a safe, comforting space for teenagers exposed to domestic violence to study, express themselves artistically, read and find resources and support. We hope to design and furnish a Teen Center at "SAFE in Hunterdon" and at the same time raise awareness about the number of people abused right here in our county.

Plan of Action

We decided to help SAFE in Hunterdon because we have always admired the work that they do and the difference that the volunteers make. We met with SAFE representatives and were told that they had a spare room that they had been hoping to turn into a teen center in the main building, but they didn’t have the time, money, or volunteers. The two of us knew at once that this is what we wanted to do. We met with the artistic supervisor, designed a layout for the room, and selected paint colors. We have started collecting furniture and supplies for the teen center. We have also sent out letters to different companies requesting contributions such as furniture and a television. Soon, we will be painting the room and moving in the furniture and decorations. At the same time, we have been attending a Media Literacy focus group for teens at SAFE in which we discuss the ways in which the media influences teenagers. We will tape a public service announcement which will be broadcast on local High School TV stations.We hope to take these negative messages in the media and try to counteract them in our room by sending out positive ones instead.
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Bullying and Violence

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