For Educators
DVSAC is committed to educating western Nevada County regarding Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. Topics, especially for youth, emphasize healthy relationships, non-violent communication, and how to identify abusive behavior. We bring our education & prevention materials into the schools, and also to groups and organizations throughout the community.
Our classroom presentations for grades 7 -12 are listed below (these can also be presented to groups outside of the classroom.) Additionally, we offer three groups – FACE, MARS, and "In Touch With Teens" – for high school teens. If you are interested in any of these presentations or groups, please contact us at 272-2046.
Currently, there is no charge for the presentations. Handouts or other materials are provided, and we do have videos to complement some of our classes.
DVSAC Classroom Presentations
Communication and Conflict Resolution
Grade Level: 7
Duration: 100 minutes (2 Days)
Description: Conflicts and violence can often be avoided or resolved through assertive communication. In this class, students learn healthy communication skills, and begin to identify behaviors that create conflict. The class explores the difference between passive, assertive and aggressive, how to make or refuse a request, and explore the differences between constructive vs. destructive anger.
Gearing Up For High School
Grade Level: 8
Duration: 100 minutes (2 Days)
Description: This is an excellent presentation for students preparing to enter the high school social scene. Students identify qualities of healthy vs. unhealthy relationships, types of love (romantic, nurturing, and addictive), discuss the importance of “personal power” & self-worth to maintain healthy relationships – and how peer pressure can set the stage for unhealthy relationships. Students also learn practical “survival” and personal safety strategies to avoid date rape, statutory rape, and abusive relationships.
Dating Violence 101 & Sexual Assault 101
Grade Levels: 9-12
Duration: 100 minutes (2 Days)
Description: Students will learn about the issues, laws and facts involving dating violence and sexual assault over 2 days. Dating Violence 101 topics reviews in greater detail healthy vs. unhealthy relationships, explores the cycle of violence, and identifies the warning signs of abusive relationships. Students also learn to identify controlling behaviors that can lead to violence, and what social factors contribute to those behaviors. Sexual Assault 101 topics include an in-depth exploration of date rape and the legal definition of consent, sexual assault, date rape drugs, and rape trauma syndrome. Students review personal safety tips, learn the effects of rape on a victim (Rape Trauma Syndrome), and discuss lingering myths regarding sexual assault.
Violence & Gender Stereotypes in the Media
Grade Levels: 9-12
Duration: 100 minutes (2 weekly sessions)
Description: This highly interactive presentation is designed to give students tools to critically examine the media’s portrayal of gender stereotypes. Students will explore the cultural messages given to both men and women, discuss how these stereotypes limit both genders, and look at the ways these stereotypes contribute to problems for individuals and for relationships.
Classes & Groups
FACE: Females Achieving Change & Empowerment
Grade Levels: 9-12, Females Only
Duration: Weekly sessions, 50 minutes each
Description: In this interactive discussion-based class, students will learn skills and information to positively address issues common to young women’s lives. Topics include assertiveness and communication, drugs and alcohol as a means of control, healthy/unhealthy coping mechanisms, the cycle of violence, developing healthy relationships, stalking, sexual harassment and sexual abuse, understanding emotions, self-care, and self-esteem.
MARS: Men Achieving Real Strength
Grade Levels: 9-12, Males Only (Requires participation of male school counselor/teacher.)
Duration: Weekly sessions, 50 minutes each
Description: In this interactive discussion-based class, students will explore what it means to be a man, including traditional expectations, pop culture and peer pressure, and arrive at their own definition of strength and masculinity. Discussions will include the links between traditional masculinity and men's violence, but the focus will be kept on the positive – redefining a “real man” in a way that respects both men and women.
In Touch With Teens: A Relationship Violence Prevention Curriculum
Grade Levels: 7-12
Duration: 8 Weekly sessions, 100 minutes each, or full semester (16 weeks) 50 minutes each