Focus groups hope to prevent, shed light on teen dating violence in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS — Recently, leaders in Indianapolis expressed concern about teen dating violence.

In fact, a city official says that one in three teenagers will be victims of violence in a romantic relationship.

Leaders of the Indy Public Safety Foundation say they want to educate Indy youth as early as possible to prevent domestic violence situations.

“The only way to prevent domestic violence in the future is to get in the ears of our teens, in their face with information and resources,” said Danyette Smith, director of Indy Champions. “That way they know what it’s like to be in an unhealthy relationship.”

Smith says the foundation, in conjunction with the group Indy Champions, will visit schools, churches and youth programs to provide teens with information on how to detect and prevent domestic violence.

PREVIOUS | Indiana prosecutors aim to end teen dating violence (wrtv.com)

“Making sure they have information about whether they are in a relationship with someone who owns or carries a gun, how to identify if it is unhealthy, who they can talk to and what resources are available,” Smith said.

Next week, the Indy Public Safety Foundation and Indy Champions will host 90-minute focus groups to get ideas on how to stop teen dating abuse.

WATCH | Teenagers learn the signs of relationship violence

Teenagers learn the signs of relationship violence

They are looking to bring together 100 boys and men aged 11 to 24 to hear their views on the issue.

“Teenagers are our future,” Smith said. “If we fail to educate and prevent our adolescents, we will continue to see the number of domestic violence increases. We need to provide them with this information so we don't have to watch another family mourn their teenager.

For more information about the focus groups, email Gary Evers at [email protected].

If you or someone you know needs assistance, you can contact Indy Champions by calling 317-210-0866.