Sexual Violence and Teens - An Interactive Prevention Education Curriculum
During the summer of 1993, our Director, along with teachers and counselors from the Hall County School System and the Rape Response Board of Directors, developed a three-part presentation on Date Rape which is included in the curriculums of six county school systems in our area. This effort came from the consistent needs we saw in the area of sexual assault education with our adolescent population. Since one third of the rape victims served out of our center are now between the ages of eleven and eighteen, it is critical to our mission that we reach teenagers with clear, accurate information on sexual assault.
National statistics show that 80% of all rapes are perpetrated by someone the victim knows - usually a dating situation. Second and third dates are the most likely time for date rape to occur. The students who have participated in our curriculum each hear have expressed overwhelming appreciation for the information and have requested more frequent classes, with longer class times to use for discussion. The teachers who have taken advantage of the class have been very supportive and continue to schedule well in advance for each school year.
Dana Chapman, Victim Service Coordinator for Rape Response has taught this class for the past five years in area middle and high schools. These classes reach well over 2400 students per year. The classes are taught with sensitivity and candor. Response by parents, teachers and students is always positive and enthusiastic.
The Staff, Board of Directors, and Volunteers are very proud of the Rape Response Date Rape Curriculum. Our Director, Terri Strayhorn, was honored by the local and state Bar Association with the 1994 Liberty Bell Award for her work with this program. The Georgia State Board of Education approved this for use in the school system and in 2000 we received a copyright for the curriculum. We have seen great results from these classes and are clear that this curriculum is critical in the endeavor to end sexual assault.
Central concepts of the curriculum:
Understanding Georgia Law on rape, sexual assault, and statutory rape. Consent and coercion definitions Lowering the risk for personal involvement with this crime. How to respond if a friend is in pain regarding the crime.
If you would like to see this curriculum presented in your school, please contact Terri Strayhorn at 770-503-7273 or e-mail Marie.
