Teen dating violence (TDV) disproportionately affects marginalized youth, leading to long-term trauma, mental health issues, and cycles of abuse. This session explores prevention strategies tailored to communities of color. The presentation highlights the Our Voices Matter program, which educates and empowers youth through mentorship, peer advocacy, and community engagement to prevent TDV. The presenter will discuss risk factors contributing to TDV among marginalized youth, the role of systemic barriers in preventing intervention, and effective approaches, including culturally responsive education and community-based support networks. Attendees will gain actionable insights to implement or support TDV prevention efforts in their communities. The session emphasizes collaboration among educators, advocates, and service providers to create safer environments for youth.
Trigger Warning: This presentation contains information (written, spoken, or visual) that may be triggering or (re)traumatizing to attendees.
Fonda Royster is the Founder of Open Arms Transformation Living, CEO of RESA Solutions, and the Domestic Violence Specialist at the Lucas County Juvenile Detention Center. With expertise in unaccompanied homelessness and teen dating violence, she develops evidence-based interventions to support vulnerable youth and advocate for systemic change.