MEDIA ADVISORY
Contact: Stephanie Nilva, (212) 590-9501 Email: snilva@dayoneny.org
RIHANNA'S PUBLIC STATEMENTS ABOUT EXPERIENCING DATING VIOLENCE GIVE YOUNG VICTIMS THE STRENGTH TO COME FORWARD AND FIND HELP
November 3, 2009/New York-- Directing a powerful message to young women, Rihanna speaks out about her experience with dating violence and her hopes of educating teenagers in the December issue of Glamour Magazine: "I want to give as much insight as I can to young women, because I feel like I represent a voice that really isn't heard. Now I can help speak for those women."
Rihanna identifies the challenge of building awareness among youth when victims are so reluctant to speak to family members about domestic violence. This reflects the experiences of the young people helped by Day One, New York's only non-profit solely dedicated to eradicating teen dating abuse. "Survivors fight for a voice every day," says Lauren McBride, who experienced physical violence by her boyfriend as a 17 year old high school student. "It's very true that teens want to keep abuse secret from their parents. I am grateful that because of Rihanna's incident, dating violence has become a big topic in the media. I hope she can continue to use her experience to raise awareness among teens, parents, government officials and others about teen dating violence."
Lauren is a member of Day One's Youth Voices Network, which unites survivors of teen dating abuse to raise community awareness while fostering personal growth and healing. "Stigma, shame and secrecy around dating abuse prevent young people from coming forward for help," says Stephanie Nilva, Executive Director of Day One. "Rihanna's public statements will have a great impact on teen victims, who often feel that they are the only ones this has ever happened to and that no help is available."
Day One brings educational workshops to adolescents and teenagers in New York City public schools to build knowledge and provide resources for young people at risk. Though an estimated 20-30% of teenagers in New York City experience dating violence, most youth have not been taught about the issue. Requests by schools for Day One's student and teacher trainings increased since Rihanna's experience became public. In addition, more youth are requesting legal information and guidance.
Rihanna's abuse is a high profile example of a problem affecting over 25% of local high school students.
- More than 1,400 teenagers call the New York City Domestic Violence hotline every month.
- One in ten New York City teenagers experienced physical or sexual assault within the last year according to the 2007 NYC Health Department's Youth Risk Behavior Survey.
Day One is the only organization in New York City focused solely on teen relationship abuse. Partnering with youth to end dating abuse and domestic violence, Day One provides community education, legal advocacy, supportive services, and leadership development. All programs operate on an empowerment model that invests young people in maintaining safe relationships for themselves and their peers, and engage youth in designing awareness projects tailored to their communities. WWW.DAYONENY.ORG
For interviews and commentary on the Rihanna/Chris Brown case and what Day One is doing to help young people in New York City, contact Stephanie Nilva, Executive Director, at 212.590.9501.
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