End Dating Violence, Sexual Assault: Teens Walk Across Brooklyn Bridge Tomorrow To Raise Awareness Of Teen Sexual Violence

April 12, 2024 The Healing Center of NY 1 Civil Rights, Equality, Events, LGBTQ, Morality and Ethics, New York City News, News, Staten Island Families, Staten Island News, Staten Islander Exclusive

Teens Walk to End Dating Violence on Saturday, April 13th

Hundreds to March Across the Brooklyn Bridge

Editor’s note: According to the CDC, Teen Dating Violence is a very large issue. Their survey in 2019 showed that 1 in 12 teens will experience physical violence, and that 1 in 12 teens will experience sexual dating violence. This information was not divided between males and females, however, those identifying as LGBTQ+ experienced higher levels of Teen Dating Violence than other groups (though the exact numbers were not provided).

Also from the CDC:

“Unhealthy, abusive, or violent relationships can have short-and long-term negative effects, including severe consequences, on a developing teen. Youth who are victims of teen dating violence are more likely to:

experience depression and anxiety symptoms
engage in unhealthy behaviors, like using tobacco, drugs, and alcohol
exhibit antisocial behaviors, like lying, theft, bullying, or hitting
think about suicide

“Violence in an adolescent relationship sets the stage for future relationship problems, including intimate partner violence and sexual violence perpetration and/or victimization throughout life. For example, youth who are victims of dating violence in high school are at higher risk for victimization during college.

“How can we prevent teen dating violence? Supporting healthy, nonviolent relationships could reduce TDV and prevent its harmful, long-lasting effects on individuals, their families, and their communities. During the pre-teen and teen years, it is critical for youth to begin learning skills to create and maintain healthy relationships, including managing feelings and communicating in a healthy way. Research also highlights the need for prevention efforts that address the unique needs of teens who are at greater risk of experiencing teen dating violence.”

NYC Teen Dating Violence Awareness Walk. Image Credit – The Healing Center Of NY

From the release about the event tomorrow:

Learn more about the 12th annual NYC Teen Dating Violence Awareness Walk, which will be held on Saturday, April 13th, 2024. This city-wide event will bring together hundreds of students, community residents, schools, nonprofit organizations, and elected officials to raise awareness on teen dating and sexual violence, affecting 1 in 3 teens. The walk will feature MCs from the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office, and will kick off at 10 am in Korean War Veterans Plaza. We look forward to seeing you this Saturday on April 13th!

Brooklyn, NY – On Saturday, April 13th, 2024, students, parents, advocates, elected officials, and community residents from across the five boroughs are marching across the Brooklyn Bridge to take a stand against teen dating violence and sexual assault. Together they will raise their voices and participate in the 12th annual NYC Teen Dating Violence Awareness Walk™ ― the largest event of its kind in the country.

Sexual assault and teen dating violence affect 1 in 3 teens. In addition, a national survey found that many victims of sexual violence, stalking, and intimate partner violence were first victimized at a young age. Among female victims, an estimated 78.7% were first raped before age 25 years (40.4% before age 18 years). Among male victims, an estimated 71.0% were victimized before age 25 years (21.3% before age 18 years).

“Far too often, teens have suffered in silence due to lack of knowledge or community action against the dating and sexual violence that so many experience,” says Noeline Maldonado, Executive Director of The Healing Center. “The NYC Teen Dating Violence Awareness Walk shines a light on this isolating issue and brings survivors and communities together to spread information and give our city’s youth a platform and a voice.”

The walk, organized by The Healing Center, will kick off with a rally at Korean War Veterans Plaza in downtown Brooklyn, and will open for registration at 10:00 a.m. The rally will feature teen speakers who will share their personal experiences with teen dating and sexual violence, words from nonprofit agencies and elected officials, and MCs from the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office. At noon, participants will start their march across the Brooklyn Bridge.

The Healing Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the intergenerational prevention and intervention of gender-based violence, family violence, sexual assault and elder abuse, serving people of diverse faiths, cultures, and personal experiences.

The NYC Teen Dating Violence Awareness Walk is co-sponsored by Bethlehem Lutheran Church, CONNECT, Womankind, Center for Anti-Violence Education, Day One, YWCA Brooklyn, Safe Horizon, and the Office of Council Member Alexa Avilés.