Innovative Partnership Offers New IPV Resource in Providence, RI

Rhode Island’s Department of Health, a State Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) grantee funded by the Family and Youth Services Bureau’s (FYSB) Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program (APP), teams with Youth in Action and Sojourner House to offer its youth intimate partner violence (IPV) training. Combined, their teen outreach programs help foster safety and a sense of well-being for youth in Providence, RI. Youth in Action gives youth a place where they can share their stories, learn how to lead, and become agents of change. Sojourner House works with youth and IPV survivors to show them how to build and keep healthy relationships.

Youth in Action and Sojourner House use the Wyman Teen Outreach Program (TOP) curriculum, which includes group talks and adult support, to learn about healthy relationships, teen dating violence, peer pressure, and goals. The students also have community service projects that help them apply what they have learned. Students are also challenged to look at who they are and what they can do for their community. Each year a small number of students are recruited and trained to be peer advocates. These students complete 10 to 15 hours of “extra” small group training to help them respond to IPV and promote healthy relationships among their peers. Once vetted, the students help design and lead workshops to support and teach peers on topics related to IPV. Learn more about the PREP Program.