8/4/2006
Media Contact:
Steve Campbell, Mayor’s Office [317] 327-3622
Angie Turk, INCASA, [317] 423-0233, ext. 18 |
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The city, INCASA and the Fever to host a Back to School, Pledge Against Violence Rally
INDIANAPOLIS – The City of Indianapolis, the Indiana Coalition Against Sexual Assault (INCASA) and the Indiana Fever, on behalf of the Choose Respect Initiative, will host a Back to School, Pledge Against Violence Rally.
When: TOMORROW, Saturday, August 5
4 – 7 p.m.
Where: Conseco Fieldhouse
(Northeast corner off Pennsylvania St.)
At the rally, Choose Respect community partners and other organizations will team up to share information with youth on healthy relationships, healthy decision making, and what their organization has to offer. Entertainment and respect-themed activities and contests will involve youth in a hands-on, fun and fresh approach to Pledge Against Violence.
The Choose Respect Initiative has been launched by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with the INCASA and the Indiana Fever as an initiative designed to motivate adolescents, challenge unhealthy beliefs about dating abuse and empower them to make healthy lifestyle choices and form respectful relationships.
Several Choose Respect community partners throughout Indianapolis will be implementing Choose Respect messages into their existing community programs and activities for youth to learn how to Give and Get Respect in identifying and seeking healthy relationships.
Adolescents make up the largest concentration of victims of sexual violence. Approximately 1 out of every 3 high school and college students has experienced sexual, physical, verbal, or emotional violence in dating relationships. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 11 high school students reported physical dating violence victimization in the past 12 months, equating to nearly 1.5 million high school students a year. Adolescents who report experiencing dating violence are also more likely to disclose binge drinking, suicide attempts, physical fighting and risk taking sexual activity.
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