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Youth

Fulton High School Students Win Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence's Teen Dating Abuse Video Challenge

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Four students from Fulton High School in Illinois have made a significant impact on the issue of teen-dating violence by winning the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence's third Teen Dating Abuse Video Challenge. Jamie Huennekens, Kirsten Stage, Brittany VanOnsten, and Jana Michels created a compelling 69-second video that shares the story of a girl struggling with a teenage relationship. The students used various video software in their media publications class to create the impactful video.

Key Takeaways:

  • The video, created by four high school students, aims to raise awareness about teen-dating violence and its effects on individuals.
  • The Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that one in 10 high school students has experienced purposeful physical harm from a boyfriend or girlfriend.
  • A quarter of high school girls have been victims of physical or sexual abuse, highlighting the severity of the issue.
  • Brittany VanOnsten, one of the students involved, emphasized the importance of educating others about teen-dating violence, stating that "This affects a lot of people, and people need to know about this."
  • The Verizon-sponsored challenge will award the students with Apple iPads, and the school will receive $1,000.
  • Michael McMahon, director of business sales for Verizon's Illinois/Wisconsin region, praised the students' unique perspective on dating violence, noting that their message can be effective in reaching their peers.
  • The students will be recognized during an all-school assembly at 2:30 p.m. Friday.

Statistics:

  • 1 in 10 high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped, or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend (Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence).
  • 1 in 4 high school girls have been victims of physical or sexual abuse (Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence).
  • The Verizon-sponsored challenge will award the schools with $1,000 and individual students with an Apple iPad.

Sources:

  • "Four Fulton High School students win teen dating abuse challenge" by the Daily Gazette (Sterling, Ill.) on (no date provided).
  • Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence on the issue of teen-dating violence.

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