How We Started
JFSA’s Family Violence Services has been working to end family violence since 1995, and while doing so has served over 2,200 women, men and children through its comprehensive family violence services.  This program began from a grassroots collaborative community effort to meet the gap of service provision to suburban communities for domestic violence.  JFSA serves all who are in need regardless of age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, religious beliefs, or ability to pay.  The program received national recognition by being selected for the “Celebrating Solutions” award from the Mary Byron Foundation of Lexington, Kentucky, and award that showcases local innovations that demonstrate promise in breaking the cycle of violence. 

Through the years, it became apparent that adolescents were experiencing dating violence and required much-needed education on the subject of healthy relationships.  Thus, in 2001, a teen dating violence and healthy relationship initiative was launched for adolescents using an interactive dramatic presentation with their peers called Expect Respect.  From its enormously successful debut, the program grew to include programs for school personnel and parents, plus support groups and direct services that include private counseling of students and families are available.

Our Services

Educational Services
-One-time overviews for individual classes that are typically 40-50 minutes in length.
-More in-depth coverage over several class periods or over an entire curriculum.
-Healthy Teen Relationships curriculum can be incorporated into any discipline, including health, English, physical education, or family living curricula. JFSA’s Healthy Teen Relationships curriculum includes:

-teen dating violence statistics
-gender stereotypes that contribute to inequality of power and control in teen relationships
-the five kinds of relationship abuse
-the abuse cycle
-warning signs of abuse in relationships
-tips on how to help a friend who is a victim or a perpetrator
-community resources where students can go for help

Educational Opportunities For School Personnel
Professional training for educators in grades 8-12 addresses school-wide strategies for preventing bullying and dating violence.

Topics include:
-Incorporating information in the student curriculum
-Identifying and working with students who are involved in abusive relationships/friendships.

Educational Opportunities For Parents
JFSA professionals are available to speak with parents about healthy teen relationships, teen dating violence and bullying issues.

Topics include:
-Information presented in the student curriculum.
-Ways to initiate discussions with teens about dating relationships.
-How to help a son or daughter involved in an abusive relationship.

Facilitation Of Support Groups For Identified Teens
Family Violence Services professionals can support identified teens and the school by either facilitating small groups that help these students address violence in their relationships or by consulting with the school in this area.

Direct Services
Jewish Family Service Association’s broad array of services is available to the community. Family Violence Services and JFSA’s counseling services, as well as any other appropriate service, is available to families and/or individuals in need. Referrals to our agency are encouraged.

Community Collaboration
Family Violence Services and our Teen Outreach Program welcome will explore opportunities to work collaboratively in the schools and/or with local organizations to increase the impact of our mission.

 

About the Play
“Expect Respect” is a powerful, live dramatic performance that depicts teens in real situations and shows how abuse of power in relationships (both in dating and friendship) diminishes dignity, self-esteem and spirit.

The Expect Respect drama troupe is comprised of 23 volunteer high school students from within the Greater Cleveland area. Volunteers are trained in the summer to perform a very powerful production in front of their peers during the school year regarding the topic of teen dating violence. Because the program works by presenting important information from a peer-to-peer perspective, it uses common language used by teens today. Therefore, at times, the language is harsh, inappropriate touching is demonstrated, and basic teen culture is prevalent throughout the play, which helps the teen audience to relate to the important messages being conveyed. The most salient message expressed is how essential it is to respect and be respected while dating someone – and to expect respect at all times. Students are also taught what respectful behavior and respectful relationships look like.

The presentation is 40 minutes in length and is performed primarily for 8-12th graders. A question and answer period is held after the performance with the actors/students staying in character. All school personnel are notified of the play’s content in advance so they can determine if the program is appropriate for their student body. Students in the 7th grade or below must have a parent’s consent to view the play. 

“Expect Respect” can be shown to groups and can also be used for training purposes for peer mediators, parents, or school personnel. It can also be used for individual class projects. We strongly encourage combining the viewing of this play with a discussion, as the performance can bring up a lot of questions and it gives the participants the opportunity to share their concerns and thoughts about these issues.