Teachers and organizations that serve youth are encouraged to engage Island students in discussions about healthy relationships, says Valerie E. Docherty, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women.
The Premier’s Action Committee on Family Violence Prevention Youth Engagement Working Group is inviting submissions for the 2013-14 storyboard contest from youth in grades four through nine to support the theme Violence is a choice. Choose better.
“By participating in this contest, Island youth will develop an understanding that people always have the choice not to use violence,” said Minister Docherty. “When a classmate, family member, boyfriend or girlfriend is abusive, he or she is choosing to use unhealthy ways to communicate or express anger, frustration or disappointment.
“Being a victim, however, is never a choice,” she said.
“Ask yourself, do I know what a healthy relationship looks like? It's important to know what defines a healthy relationship,” says Dr. Phillip Smith, chair of the Premier’s Action Committee on Family Violence Prevention. “It’s also important to recognize an abusive relationship, and to know where to turn for help before things get worse.”
Storyboard entries illustrating the theme Violence is a choice. Choose better. must be submitted on an 8.5" x11" page and can be single or double-sided. Storyboard designs will be judged based on depiction of theme, attractiveness and creativity. All storyboards meeting the contest guidelines will be featured in an online gallery at stopfamilyviolence.pe.ca.
Two prizes of $250 will be awarded, one for the teacher or youth-serving organization with the winning entry from grades four through six, and one for the winning entry from grades seven through nine.
Entries must be mailed or emailed with a signed, completed entry form and received by Friday, February 14, during PEI Family Violence Prevention Week February 9 to 15. For full contest details and the 2014 Family Violence Prevention Week campaign, visit stopfamilyviolence.pe.ca or contact (902) 368-6712.
For information about healthy relationships and where to get help, visit stopfamilyviolence.pe.ca/teens.