Knowledge is power, especially knowing when to take action and stand up against domestic violence. Being able to identify the signs of an abusive relationship at home or in other social situations can literally be a life-saving effort.
As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Kelly Kanigowski, social worker for Renaissance High School, started ‘girls? day.? During the morning hours on Oct. 20, female students participated in several workshops. Kanigowski said they learned about ‘what leads to unhealthy relationships and suggestions how to get out of them.?
The day’s programs were intended to show the young women the importance of keeping control in their relationships, and how to identify the telltale signs of abusive and dominant personalities in men.
The students also heard from a young woman who recounted her personal experiences with an abusive boyfriend.
‘It was really emotional, it was like hearing your sister talk to you. I felt really close to her,? said Jennifer Evans, sophomore.
Junior Kaylin Place said she could relate to her because of personal experiences with abuse and said the lessons taught that day were very valuable.
‘They were very blunt about everything,? Place said, saying that with such a serious subject, being as forward as possible helps. Place said the students were given contact information for outside counseling services as well, which she said could be really helpful for students who need an outlet outside of school.
Tomiann Montney, senior, said ‘it’s really helpful for people our age,? remarking about learning the signs to look for in friends? relationships as well. Montney said even those students who do not have personal experiences to examine can be there for friends who may be blinded to the signs by their relationship.
‘Don’t let anyone control your life? either physically or emotionally, she said. ‘You shouldn’t have to go through that at this age,?
During the last portion of the day, the girls created T-shirt designs, which they hung up as part of The Clothsline project. Started in Massachusetts in 1990, the project is designed to illustrate the struggles of women who have survived domestic abuse. Each shirt represents an individual woman’s story, and each student had her own to design.
‘This is a way of helping them reflect on what they learned today,? Kanigowski said.
Kanigowski said she was pleased with how the day went and will hopefully plan a similar event for next year.