Expect Respect

Center for Victims implements Expect Respect in Pittsburgh area high schools, including Clairton, Gateway, Propel Braddock Hills, Perry, South Allegheny, West Mifflin, Westinghouse and Woodland Hills. This research-informed dating violence prevention program raises awareness of the issue, teaches skills for healthy relationships, develops youth leadership skills, engages teens as active bystanders, and increases safety and respect in schools. The program creates a school-wide climate that discourages violence and provides student with the tools necessary to become “change agents” among their peers. This comprehensive prevention and intervention program has three key components:

School-Wide Awareness/Policy

All 9th graders receive a classroom based introduction to the program, including information on dating violence and healthy relationships. School staff and administration, including faculty, guidance counselors, athletic coaches, and other staff also receive training.

Support Groups and Counseling

Gender-specific support groups reach students who are in or at risk for being in an abusive relationship. Individuals who need additional one-on-one counseling are able to meet with a Center for Victims staff member.

Teen Leadership Teams

Each school selects a co-ed group of students to receive leadership training, which includes eight sessions on dating violence, peer support, advocacy and community action. The group then designs and initiates interactive projects to engage their entire school in adopting a culture of prevention and positive bystander behaviors.

Expect Respect is also supported in Greene and Washington Counties by SPHS Care Center STTARS Program.