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Start Strong Bronx is a healthy relationship program to prevent dating violence funded by a $1 million grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Blue Shield of California. Based atBronx Lebanon Hospital Center Department of Pediatrics, the project is a four-year partnership between NYC Department of Education, Bronx Borough President's Office, Sanctuary for Families, Violence Intervention Program, Pregones Theater, Men Can Stop Rapeand the Bronx Clergy Task Force.
Start Strong Bronx was chosen out of more than 500 applicants nationwide to be part of the largest public health initiative in history to prevent dating violence. (for more info go to : www.startstrongteens.org )
THE PROBLEM
* 11.2% of teens in New York City reported being hit, slapped or physically hurt on purpose by their boyfriend or girlfriend during the past year. (Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2007)
* 8.3% of New York City teens say they have been forced to have sexual intercourse.(Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2007)
* 1 in 3 teens (30%) say the are text-messaged 10 to 30 times an hour by a partner inquiring where they are, what they are doing orwho they are with.(Liz Claiborne Inc., 2007)
THE SOLUTION
Start Strong Bronx focuses on teaching what a healthy relationship looks and feels like, rather than what to avoid.
Our program includes:
* In-school curriculum on healthy relationships
* Workshops on healthy relationships for pre-teens and parents
* Teen Advisory Board projects created for middle school audience
* Art-based mentoring program