Youth lead conference enlightens: Teen only conference on domestic violence lets youth express themselves on the issue.

By Denae Brewer
Editor in Chief

In an attempt to raise awareness about domestic violence and its devastating repercussions, 100 Bronx and other city youths held an open and frank discussion on the topic.

“I’m involved to help other teens out,” said Roy Davenport, a Highbridge youth and conference facilitator. “Maybe they will take what they’ve learned here apply it at home.”

Mr. Davenport and his peers were part of the first ever youth-lead conference on domestic violence which was sponsored in large part by CONNECT—an organization that specializes in domestic violence prevention and early intervention.

“The Community Empowerment Project of CONNECT is about finding alternative solutions to domestic violence and family violence,” said Kala Ganesh, Program Director. She stressed the importance of everyone is involved in finding solutions. “All too often it is the woman who has to leave everything behind. We want to find alternatives to criminal justice, law enforcement and the shelter system. We want everyone to take a more active role in ending the cycle.”

To that end, CONNECT and several other community organizations sponsored the conference — held last month at Hostos Community College — was necessary. “We think that it’s time that we started a groundswell conversation about family violence,” said Ms. Ganesh. “We need to really look at different ways of handling the situation. Ways in which families can be kept together.”

The sponsoring organizations felt it was important that children take a lead role. “As we know,” Ms. Ganesh explained, “the best way teens learn something is not for an adult to tell them, but for their peers to do it,”

A common misconception is that domestic violence is about anger. It’s not. It’s about power and control. The purpose of the conference was to delve into various domestic violence situations and show how they pop-up in everyday life. From HIV and domestic violence, to responsible dating, the children provided an open forum.

“A lot of teens out there are going through some type of domestic violence,” said teen facilitator Kadeesha Williams. “The violence could be manipulation or physical. Sometimes the victim doesn’t even know it’s happening. We’re trying to raise awareness.”

Narelia Oliveras, 16, participated in the body image and self-esteem workshop. “As a young woman who has experienced self esteem issues, this conference can help me.” Ultimately, Ms. Oliveras, who is part on Casa Alavex Ache in the Bronx, sees the conference as more then just a one time learning experience. “I can take what I’ve learned here and bring it back to my community and maybe help someone who’s going through the same things I do.”

Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrión Jr. commended the conference and its message. “We know that there is too much violence. We know that that there is abuse, we’ve seen it in our communities, we’ve seen it in our homes, schools on TV. It’s often glorified or made fun of. But in the end, it’s not funny. It’s something that has to be dealt with.”

In a time where hospitals report that 10 percent of domestic violence cases in the Bronx deal with teens and 30 percent of women report being physically or sexually assaulted by a spouse or partner, Mr. Carrion was pleased to see children dealing with something so important.

“It is so encouraging to me as a Bronxite and a father of four that our young people are taking this issue on,” Mr. Carrion said. “You’re saying we’re going to stop the violence. We’re going to change the way we behave. We’re going to take responsibility for ourselves and not wait for some outside savior to come with some grand message and parachute into our community and try to save us. We know where the salvation is, where the truth is and we know where the answers are. They are within us. The only way we will succeed is if we take care of ourselves.”

An end to domestic violence may not come next week. However, with groups like CONNECT actively trying to bring the issue to the forefront there may be an ending soon.

To learn more about CONNECT and its work towards ending domestic violence you can call or send an e-mail-212-683-0015 or conncet@connectnyc.org