Two members from the Domestic Violence Awareness Club cut out pledges that were given out at Thursday’s basketball game for students to sign. Photo provided by Cathy Leo.by Clarissa Htay, Staff Writer
One in five teenage girls who have been in a relationship said that a boyfriend had threatened violence or self-harm if presented with a breakup according to Human Options. February is the national teen violence dating awareness month where people wear orange to help support the fight against teen dating violence. At Fountain Valley High School (FVHS), one club called Domestic Violence Prevention Awareness Club, is an active supporter against teen violence in dating and promotes prevention around the school.
Domestic Violence Prevention Awareness Club is a new club that started this year by junior Fiona Lichodziejewski (‘18). The club helps raise awareness to domestic violence issues and work with the community to help people.
“We [Domestic Violence Prevention Awareness] help bring awareness to the big issue of domestic violence and do service projects that help people feel love.” said president of the club Lichodziejewski.
After finding out that February was teen dating violence awareness month, Lichodziejewski decided to raise awareness here at Fountain Valley. “No one really talks about it [teen dating violence] but everyone knows something about it or someone who’s been in a toxic relationship,” said Lichodziejewski. Kaiser Permanente states that 40% of teenage girls age 14 to 17 report knowing someone their age who has been hit or beaten by a boyfriend.
During the morning announcements, the club has been putting statistics about teen dating violence to raise awareness. Every Thursday in February and on Valentine’s Day, the club promotes everyone to show their support against teen dating violence. The club has been selling orange and white t-shirts with the slogan “Love shouldn’t hurt” for $10 in room 217.
On Valentine’s Day, an organization called Human Options (specifically about domestic violence), is having a dress day where everyone around the nation wears orange. People can use the hashtags #Orange for love, #Love shouldn’t hurt and #Human Options on Valentine’s Day to help raise awareness around the country.
On Feb. 22, a guest speaker from an organization on domestic violence will be visiting FVHS from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.. The speaker will be here to talk about teen dating violence and give helpful tips.
