MEDIA ADVISORY
Contact: Stephanie Nilva, (212) 590-9501 Email: snilva@dayoneny.org
SLAIN 22-YEAR-OLD LACROSSE PLAYER KILLED BY EX-BOYFRIEND AT U.V.A. IS A REMINDER THAT YOUNG PEOPLE FACE EVEN GREATER RISK OF ABUSE THAN ADULTS
The death of Yeardley Love on the campus of the University of Virginia this week has again forced the issue of domestic violence and dating violence among youth into the spotlight. Charged with murder, fellow student George Huguely, has told police that he "kicked in [Ms. Love's] door" and shook her until her "head repeatedly hit the wall."
Similar to the revelations of dating violence against pop star Rihanna by Chris Brown, this incident is a reminder of the extreme abuse and violence faced by youth in the context of their dating relationships. Day One, an organization that focuses its full resources on the issue of relationship abuse among young people in New York, finds Ms. Love's death a tragic example of dating violence that might have been averted if greater awareness and resources were committed to the issue on college campuses and in high schools.
"Though the relationship between Ms. Love and Mr. Huguely had ended, risks associated with domestic violence increase during and following a break-up," states Stephanie Nilva, Executive Director of Day One. "Our universities and high schools need to be addressing this issue in classrooms and among academic professionals, before someone is killed. Young people need to know that they are not alone, that their campus has knowledgeable staff, and that help is available." Day One educates more than 5,000 young people and trains 1,000 professionals each year about dating abuse, stalking, sexual assault and domestic violence.
Ms. Love's death is only the most recent example of a crisis affecting as many as 25-40% of youth nationwide. Though the most recent statistics show that 1 in 10 New York City youth have experienced physical or sexual violence within the past year, most youth have not been taught about the issue. "Ending the silence around the issue of dating violence will save lives," states teen dating abuse survivor and Day One staff member, Jean Sung. Young people between 16 and 24 expereince the highest rates of domestic violence in the nation.
Day One is the only organization in New York City focused solely on relationship abuse among youth. Partnering with youth to end dating abuse and domestic violence, Day One provides community education, legal advocacy, supportive services, and leadership development. For more information, see WWW.DAYONENY.ORG.
For interviews and commentary on the issue of dating violence or the death of Ms. Yeardley Love, and what Day One is doing to help young people in New York City, contact Stephanie Nilva, Executive Director, at 646.431.4955.
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