TADA: Teens Against Dating Abuse!

Vital Stats

Natalie H

Milaca, MN

  • people helped90
  • People Doing It90

The Problem

The problem I am trying to solve is ending teen dating abuse in our communities. The community I am helping is Mille Lacs County in Milaca, MN. I work for an organization known as Pearl Crisis Center where I lead a teen group called "Teens Against Dating Abuse". This group is made up of 90 Mille Lacs County Teens who work together for a common goal, reaching out to victims of violence and ending abuse by educating communities. During our "Teens Against Dating Abuse" or TADA Meetings, the teens are able to express violent situations they have experienced and how to work through them. The TADA group also facilitates a Candlelight Vigil, remembering those lost to domestic violence annually, and participates in "Stop Violence Against Women Action Day" at our State Capitol. Here we are able to meet with our Sentator and Representative to discuss violence among teens and what they can do to help. After this, we rally for ending domestic violence state wide and come together as a group developing more ideas on how to accomplish this goal.

Plan of Action

Steps taken include involving the community to get awarness out such as our Candlelight Vigil. Another important piece is joining the local parades and marching to end violence. In the Milaca town parade I was involved in, the crowd actually clapped as we passed in the street with our "Teens Against Dating Abuse" sign and outreach information. That was an experience of a life time! I feel I have made an impact to this group in many ways, though the ways that affect me most are when teens open up with their stories. With teens it is all about building relationships and being real. Being that real example can speak more than words. Teens have spoke to me about sexual abuse that they experienced, along with dating abuse. The stories range from person to person but I feel trusted and honored that teens can talk to me about their life experiences.
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Bullying and Violence

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