Feature News

Teens warned of 'unhealthy relationships'

Sessions at Archbishop McCarthy High School aimed at making students aware of danger signs

Monday, November 02, 2009
Melody Regalado - Florida Catholic correspondent

SOUTHWEST RANCHES — The topic was timely. A few days before, a south Florida teen had been killed, allegedly after an argument with her much older boyfriend.

“I’ve had students come to me in the past about issues they have experienced with unhealthy relationships,” said Adriana Murgueytio, freshman and sophomore guidance counselor at Archbishop Edward McCarthy High School here.

“Students are at such a critical age, and providing them with the tools and education they need can help prevent dating violence and teach them the importance of healthy relationships,” said Murgueytio, who organized a presentation on dating violence and healthy relationships Oct. 17 at the school.

The presentation was made by two members of Women in Distress, a nationally accredited center for domestic violence that provides victims with resources and shelter and strives to educate the community about the issue.

“There are many misconceptions on what a healthy relationship looks like, and we try to educate students and the community so that they are aware of what they see around them and know what signs to look for,” said Aisha McDonald, who gave the presentation along with Patrick DeCarlo.

They kept the students involved by asking for audience participation, hosting a question and answer session, acting out skits, and handing out pamphlets with information about the different aspects of violence and how to handle those situations.

Taylor Suarez, a freshman, and Marc Overton, a senior, agreed that while they were aware of the obvious signs of abuse, the presentation opened their eyes to look for the smaller signs that can lead to bigger, potentially-violent problems.

“They didn’t just tell us that violence is bad. They showed us examples of what is wrong and told us why,” said Stephanie Tewes, a junior.
The presentation was repeated twice: once for freshmen and sophomores, a second time for juniors and seniors. Some students stayed behind after the presentation to ask questions and get more information.

For more information about Women in Distress or to seek help in dealing with a violent relationship, visit www.womenindistress.org or call the 24-hour crisis line at 954-761-1133.