Teamwork steps in against domestic, dating violence

Countless victims of domestic violence continue to find shelter and support on a daily basis. A student assembly addressing the issue of “dating violence” soared from its expected attendance of 200 to more than 800 participants. Six high school students found help they needed to resolve dangerous dating situations. One student obtained a court order to prevent contact from a serious threat.

That’s what can happen when groups work together to make things better in the world. That’s what did happen when the Kiwanis Club of Carson Valley, Nevada, teamed with the Douglas High School Key Club (Minden), other service clubs, and state organizations to combat domestic violence.

About three years ago, the Carson Valley Kiwanians created a network of service groups, known as the Purple Ribbon Coalition, that supports the Family Support Council in providing safe shelter to and assisting domestic violence victims. Complementing that program, the Douglas Key Club set up a student assembly to address the issue of dating violence. The Key Clubbers worked with the Kiwanians, administrators, counselors, and teachers; set up booths and put up posters promoting the event; and helped the assembly’s keynote speaker develop content for her presentation. The assembly was hugely popular.

“One of the satisfying outcomes was that six students now have some assistance in resolving some threatening dating situations,” says Kiwanian John Amundson. “Furthermore, one immediate and serious situation resulted in a court order being issued to prevent further contact.”

Another noteworthy result of the program: The Key Club received an award from the Nevada Attorney General’s office.

“This is an excellent example of how the Key Club, Kiwanis, and local and state organizations all can work together on an issue that affects each one of these groups,” John says.