WHAT is LOVE?

poster by Francis Grafton

Here are the Facts

  • ONE in THREE teens report being in an abusive relationship.
  • Every year 1.5 million teens nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner.
  • Most teens stay in abusive relationships and never tell.
  • Violence is learned. It Can Be UN-LEARNED.

Need more information?

Catherine Steininger
CatherineS@dvsolutions.org
(805) 564-3300 ext 3#
(805) 963-1169
 

DVS Poster Contest

  • VOTE for your favorite between February 1 – 8, 2012, at the Santa Barbara Central Library's Teen Corner, 40 East Anapamu Sreet
  • BIG Cash Prizes! 1st place design wins $250; $100 for 2nd place, $75for 3rd place and $75 for the Teen Choice Award
  • RECEPTION at the library's Faulkner Gallery on February 9, 2012, 5:30pm – 7:30pm. Mayor Schneider to announce Winning Designs
  • TOP 25 Designs featured in Santa Barbara Central Library (Teen Corner) during the Month of February 2012
  • 2000 Posters of Top Design posted throughout Santa Barbara County
  • FOOD, music, and give-a-ways
  • PREMIER of WHAT is LOVE, the Public Service announcement sponsored by Youth Making Change
  • SIGN-up for library card
  • TEEN Community service hours

poster by Sachio Badham

February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month

Domestic Violence Solutions for Santa Barbara County and Community Partners are proud to present the WHAT is LOVE series of events and activities designed to increase awareness of Teen Dating Violence and to educate the community's teens about healthy relationships.

Teen dating violence is an urgent, silent epidemic in Santa Barbara County. One in three teens report experiencing abuse in a dating relationship and most teens will never report the abuse to anyone.

Dating violence is not just dangerous and sometimes lethal, teens that experience abuse in a relationship exhibit higher rates of violence, school drop-out rates, drug abuse, high-risk sexual behavior and suicide.

The WHAT is LOVE series of events help teens:

  • Define the physical, emotional, and sexual forms of abuse
  • Explain the importance of asking for help
  • Provide community resources
  • Encourage teens to advocate for a safe school and community environment where teens can report abuse
poster by Travis Tighe

Our 2011 Schedule of Events

Tuesday, February 1st

Kick-off the WHAT is LOVE series by visiting Santa Barbara Central Library (TEEN CORNER) at 40 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara. Artwork and Poster designs from Santa Barbara County high school students will be featured in the TEEN CORNER along with a selected reading list and video library list to bring awareness to Teen Dating Violence.

Tuesday, February 1st

Two large WHAT is LOVE Banners will be placed at the front gate of Vandenberg Air Force Base in Lompoc.

poster by Emily Yates

Friday, February 7th

Indulge at the WHAT is LOVE Ice Cream Social at Vandenberg Air Force Base in the Youth Center at 4PM.

Thursday, February 10th

Attend a PARENT WORKSHOP on What You Need To Know About Teen Dating Violence at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Lompoc, CA in the Youth Center.

Monday, February 14th

Join DVS and the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline as we remind Santa Barbara County High School students that LOVE has many definitions, but abuse is not one of them. We have invited High Schools from Santa Maria to Carpinteria to participate in "Heart of the Matter" 2011 National School Announcement. Designed to be read over a PA system or to individual classes, the Announcement directs young people to visit www.LoveIsRESPECT.org relationships.

Tuesday, February 15th

Participate in Alan Hancock College, "Love Carefully Day" in the Student Center, at 800 South College Drive, Santa Maria, CA. Take a dating quiz and pledge to be in a healthy relationship.

Thursday, February 24th

Join Mayor Helene Schneider in honoring, the top poster and t-shirt design contest winners at Santa Barbara Central Library (Faulkner Gallery) at 40 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, CA from 5PM to 7PM.

Friday, February 25th

Attend TEEN MOVIE NIGHT "Reviving Ophelia" at Vandenberg Air Force Base in the Youth Center and Police Activities League TWELVE35 Teen Center at 4:30 for Speak Out and 5:30 Movie, Santa Barbara, CA.

Our 2011 Community Partners and Sponsors

Santa Barbara Central Library

Santa Barbara Central Library

Contact: Oscar Flores

 
Vandenberg Air Force Base

Vandenberg Air Force Base

Contact: Pauline Chui

 
Alan Hancock College

Alan Hancock College

Contact: Brooke Hyman

 
Santa Barbara Youth Council

Santa Barbara Youth Council

Contact: Susan Young

 
FCP Barns and Buildings

FCP Barns and Buildings

Contact: Russell J. Greer

 
Police Activities League

Police Activities League

Contact: Elvia Hernandez

 
Law Offices of John J. Thyne, III

Law Offices of John J. Thyne, III

Contact: Sheri Soxman at (805) 963-9958

 
Kerry Mormann and Associates

Kerry Mormann & Associates

Contact: Kerry Mormann