loveisrespect, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline Accepting Applications for Peer Ambassadors

loveisrespect, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline (NTDAH) is actively recruiting teens nationwide to participate in a peer ambassador program. Applications are being accepted through August 31, 2009.

Contact: Patty Gonzales, Communications Manager 512-685-6366 (Office), or 512-809-3729 (Cell) or pgonzales@tcfv.org loveisrespect, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline Seeks Teen Peer Ambassadors Nationwide Austin—July 16, 2009—loveisrespect, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline (NTDAH) is actively recruiting teens nationwide to participate in a peer ambassador program. Applications are being accepted through August 31, 2009. loveisrespect will utilize the talents, guidance and support of teens and young adults to build awareness about teen dating abuse and healthy relationships. The ambassadors also will provide feedback and guidance on the implementation of services to teens and young adults, as well as raise awareness of the impact of teen dating abuse and the services of loveisrespect in their respective communities. A 2006 survey commissioned by Liz Claiborne Inc. revealed alarming numbers of teens experience abusive behavior in dating relationships. Some of the findings are: • 1 in 5 teens who have been in a serious relationship report being hit, slapped or pushed by a partner. • 1 in 3 girls who have been in a serious relationship say they’ve been concerned about being physically hurt by their partner. • 1 in 4 teens who have been in a serious relationship say their boyfriend/girlfriend has tried to prevent them from spending time with friends or family; the same number have been pressured to only spend time with their partner. • 1 in 3 girls between the ages of 16 and 18 say sex is expected for people their age if they’re in a relationship; half of teen girls who have experienced sexual pressure report they are afraid the relationship would end if they did not give in. • Nearly 1 in 4 girls who have been in a relationship reported going further sexually than they wanted as a result of pressure. Peer ambassador applicants must be 16 to 19 years of age, must commit to one year of service, and be available to travel to Dallas, Texas October 9 through October 11 for a weekend orientation. Travel, accommodations and meal expenses will be provided by loveisrespect. Applications may be found at http://www.loveisrespect.org/peer-ambassador-program/. Loveisrespect, NTDAH is a safe, anonymous resource for teens who seek information about healthy dating relationships. Teens may connect via phone or chat with peer advocates who are trained to respond to their concerns and guide them to research-based information about the dynamics of relationships in a complicated digital world. The Helpline is a place for teens to go to check out their feelings and to learn the red flags of an unhealthy relationship. Available 24/7, the Helpline also provides resources to parents, teachers and friends of teens. The Helpline is based in Austin, Texas.