Safe Dates, the Leading, Evidence-Based, Dating Violence Prevention Program Available to Address Ohio's New Dating Violence Law

CENTER CITY, Minn., Aug. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Studies show that one in five teenagers in a serious dating relationship reports being physically abused by his or her partner. This issue is so serious that Ohio Governor Ted Strickland has signed into law House Bill 19, or the Tina Croucher Act.

Named for an Ohio teen who was murdered by her high school ex-boyfriend, Tina's Law requires Ohio schools to include information about violence in dating relationships in already existing harassment, intimidation, and bullying policies. Schools must also provide staff training on dating violence prevention, and include dating prevention education for students in grades 7 through 12.

In order to comply with Tina's Law, Hazelden, (www.hazelden.org) the leading publisher of evidence-based violence prevention programs and the Partnership for Violence Free Families (PVFF), a leading Ohio teen dating violence prevention organization have joined forces to offer Safe Dates trainings throughout the state of Ohio.

The Safe Dates program helps both boys and girls recognize the difference between caring, supportive relationships and controlling, manipulative, or abusive dating relationships. It is the only evidence-based dating violence prevention program recognized by SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP). This federal registry identifies programs that have been scientifically tested and proven effective.

Research shows that four years after the implementation of Safe Dates, students who participated in the program reported significantly less physical and sexual dating violence than teens who did not participate in the program.

Hazelden and PVFF will be kicking off this initiative with a Web conference:  "Safe Dates: Addressing the New Ohio Law with an Evidence-based Solution That Works" on September 9, 2010 at 3 p.m. EDT.

This conference will help prepare you to:

• Describe what dating violence is and its consequences for students and schools
• Explain the new Ohio law that requires schools to implement a prevention program
• Describe the components of the Safe Dates program
• Describe the process for obtaining training and program materials to effectively implement the Safe Dates program

For additional information about Safe Dates trainings in Ohio or to register for the Web conference, please visit www.pvff.org or call 419-371-1727. Those who attend the Web conference will receive a discount code that can be applied toward purchasing the curriculum.

About Hazelden

Hazelden, a national nonprofit organization founded in 1949, helps people reclaim their lives from the disease of addiction. Built on decades of knowledge and experience, Hazelden offers a comprehensive approach to addiction that addresses the full range of patient, family, and professional needs, including treatment and continuing care for youth and adults, research, higher education, public education and advocacy, and publishing. Hazelden has facilities in Minnesota, Illinois, New York, Oregon, and Florida. Learn more at www.hazelden.org or call 800-257-7810.

About the Partnership for Violence Free Families (PVFF)

The Partnership for Violence Free Families was created in 2001 through a family violence prevention grant award by the Anthem Foundation of Ohio. Over 36 businesses, agencies, school and governmental entities comprise this active coalition. In addition to media awareness on the topics of family violence, PVFF supports evidence-based programs that address child abuse, child sexual assault, bullying, and teen dating violence.

SOURCE Hazelden