Laura’s House to Observe National Teen Dating Violence Month with Host of Important Initiatives

LADERA RANCH, Calif. - Jan. 7, 2015 - PRLog -- Laura’s House (http://www.laurashouse.org/), a nonprofit devoted to ending the cycle of domestic violence, will observe National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (http://www.teendvmonth.org/)  with its annual Candlelight Vigil on Friday, Feb. 6, at 5:30 p.m. Hundreds are expected at the OC Sheriff Regional Training Academy in Tustin to honor teens who died at the hands of their abusers. The event also will include an emotional program with survivor testimonials and information about the nonprofit’s H.E.A.R.T. (Healthy Emotions and Attitudes in Relationships for Teens) program (http://www.laurashouse.org/lhteen/about), including new service components to end teen dating violence in Orange County and across the nation.

“Teen dating violence is extremely common but rarely discussed, so our Candlelight Vigil, while recognizing a tragic event, also gives us the opportunity to speak to the community, especially teens, about an important issue and educate them on red flags that often are overlooked,” said Marissa C. Presley, prevention education specialist for Laura’s House. “In fact, educating teens about dating violence is the first step in preventing domestic violence cases in adults and should be taught at all schools.”

In addition to February’s Candlelight Vigil, Laura’s House will launch two new aspects of its H.E.A.R.T. program. Heart Chat is an online service that provides teens with easy-to-access information, resources and referrals in an effort to encourage healthy relationships. The service will offer support to those currently in abusive relationships and will connect them to experienced domestic violence advocates who can answer questions and provide advice. Advocates also will offer safety planning tips and connect Heart Chat users with a professional therapist, as necessary.

Laura’s House also will add a new element called Heart Health Line to provide teens with convenient counseling and education services through a live video stream or by phone. A major challenge Laura’s House has faced in its crusade against teen dating violence has been an inability to easily connect with teens that need help, but lack access to a counseling center. The launch of Heart Health will allow teens to get the support they need — anytime, anywhere.

“It can be difficult to communicate with teens about dating violence in an easy, confidential and safe setting,” said Presley. “We have improved our H.E.A.R.T. program to add new ways to educate teens on what healthy relationships look like so they are aware of red flags.”

The Candlelight Vigil is free and open to the general public. For more information visit: http://www.laurashouse.org/lhteen/.