NANTICOKE, Pa. — A promise and a pledge signed on paper inside Nanticoke Area Middle School, as these sixth through eighth graders stand up against domestic violence. Ann Marie Shultz is the Guidance Counselor at the Nanticoke Area Educational Center.
"They do start in 6th grade dating. I know we don't like to think that they are, but they are, so we need to deal with that so we can deal with situations like that from occurring so we can have good future relationships," said Shultz.
'Teens for Change' is a pilot program through the Domestic Violence Service Center in Wilkes-Barre. It's the first of its kind program in Luzerne County- sharing the warning signs and what to look out for in dangerous relationships. Tammy Rodgers is the volunteer education program coordinator for the Domestic Violence Service Center and came up with the idea for this school-based program.
"That's what usually happens is if they see that type of relationship, they think that's normal, that's the way things are supposed to be, and I want to get them out of that mindset and know that no, that's not the way things are supposed to be," Rodgers added.
The CDC reports that 1 in 12 students will experience teen dating violence. It can happen in person and even through texts or social media. Amaya Zegarski volunteered to be a 'teen for change,' helping change the narrative in the hallways.
"It makes them realize and think, are they experiencing this? Or do they think this is the normal because everyone else thinks this is the normal?" says eighth grader Zegarski.
It's these students, like Zegarski and Ashley Brassington, at Nanticoke Area, who are bringing light to a topic that often stays hidden in the shadows.
"We do this every Tuesday, so it just gets easier to be open with, especially with our friends," added Brassington.
Making it easier for those to speak up and stand strong when they see the warning signs.
"I just think people are afraid to speak up and say something. You shouldn't be afraid of that. You should be in an environment where you feel comfortable to explain and talk about these things," said Zegarski.
"You don't have to sit there and deal with this on your own. I think a lot of them think, 'Well, I'm the only one going through this. I'm the only one that's suffering," added Rodgers.
Learning a lesson that can't be taught from a book, to make our students a little bit safer for years to come.
"So when they get older, that they do have a good relationship and that they don't think it's the right thing to do, that it's okay for someone to hurt them or someone to be mean to them. that they can advocate for themselves and have avenues to turn to," says Shultz.
The Domestic Violence Service Center is hoping to get more schools throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania on board with the program. Jim Thorpe Area will be the next district to start these discussions with its students.
This is just the start; the Domestic Violence Service Center is hoping to get more schools throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania on board with this program.
Jim Thorpe Area will be the next district to start these discussions with their students.
The Domestic Violence Service Center in Wilkes-Barre is available by phone- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-424-5600.