New Board Game Targets Young Women Before Sexual Predators Do

Jan. 9, 2013 - PRLog -- January 9, 2013, PLEASANTON, CA – His name is Jerky Johnny, and his mission is to be the last bad date for millions of young girls. As the central character in a brand new board game that bears his name, Jerky Johnny is designed to teach girls ages 12 and up to identify and avoid predatory and abusive behavior through positive role playing and peer discussion. The game will be launched nationally on February 14, 2013 in recognition of “V-Day,” a global movement to end violence against women.

         According to a study conducted by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), 56% of the young women surveyed in grades 7 through 12 had been sexually harassed in the last 12 months (source: “Crossing The Line; Sexual Harassment At School,” AAUW, November 2012). Jerky Johnny is designed to help young women discuss and react smartly to sexual harassment, bullying and dangerous dating patterns in a relaxed, game-based setting with peers and parents.

         Jerky Johnny was developed by Dara Connolly, a black belt martial arts instructor whose Kurukula® classes have helped young women build confidence through self-defense for over a decade. With the goal of giving girls “a voice and a choice,” Jerky Johnny helps young women open up about harassment in their own lives and empowers them to make safe choices and take action. “Many parents don’t know how to talk to their daughters about bullying, peer pressure or abusive relationships,” said Ms. Connolly. “Jerky Johnny offers a fun, positive way for young women to discuss real-life situations and develop important safety skills that can last a lifetime.”

         Using a variety of real-life social encounters as the setting, players are prompted with fun role-playing cards to interact with and react to Jerky Johnny and his friends. Points are awarded for safe choices, with opportunities along the way for thoughtful discussion of why one choice is safe and another dangerous. Portions of each game sale will be donated to women’s charities for equality.

         To learn more or to order a copy of the game online, visit www.jerkyjohnny.com.