Day One Introduces Project SAYS to Help Teen Victims of Dating Violence Via Phone, Chat or Text

Sept. 6, 2011 - PRLog -- As teenagers across the country head back to school, Day One, a New York City-based organization dedicated to ending teen relationship abuse, is announcing the launch of Project SAYS, a new service that allows teens to anonymously access relationship guidance via a toll-free helpline, online chat or text message. Project SAYS (Safety & Advocacy for Young Survivors) is designed to allow all teens to get immediate information about their most important questions about safe dating, as well as to allow victims of dating violence to get help in a way that is safe and comfortable. Project SAYS also offers specialized outreach to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning/queer (LGBTQ) youth experiencing relationship abuse.

“Part of our mission is to improve teenagers’ access to the crucial information they need to establish and maintain healthy relationships,” says Stephanie Nilva, Executive Director of Day One. “Project SAYS goes a long way towards making that happen by connecting with them through systems we know teens use – texting, chatting online or calling from their cell phone. We also think it’s incredibly important to offer chat lines specifically for teens in LGBTQ relationships, as there are fewer resources overall for these teens, and they can often feel isolated if their relationships are a secret from friends and family.”

Staffed by a licensed social worker, the helpline, online chat and text messaging services link young people with guidance, counseling and, when applicable, legal assistance.  Day One’s interdisciplinary services include therapeutic counseling for individuals and groups of young survivors, and legal representation for young victims of abuse who are seeking protective orders in court. Day One’s helpline number is 800.214.4150.  Its online chat can be accessed via http://www.dayoneny.org, and questions from youth can be texted to 646.535.DAY1 (3291).

“We know teens spend a significant amount of time online or on their mobile phones; unfortunately, this technology, which they use to connect with friends, can also become tools for abusers,” says Michele Paolella, Social Worker at Day One. “What’s great about Project SAYS is that it takes this technology and uses it to connect teens with comprehensive services that can help them end abusive relationships.”

About Teen Dating Violence
Experts estimate that as many as one in three teenagers experiences abuse in a dating relationship, and according to the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, as many as half of LGBTQ relationships may be abusive. Even though an estimated 20-30% of teenagers in New York City experience dating violence, the Department of Education does not mandate education for youth – or guidance counselors – about dating violence.  The 2009 NYC Department of Health Risk Survey found that one in ten teens had been physically assaulted within the previous year. In a 2005 study of incoming freshmen at a New York City public college, more than 50% of students indicated that a close peer was involved in a violent relationship in the past year.

About Day One
Day One’s programs fill a much needed service gap – providing access to services and education that would otherwise be unavailable to youth in New York City, particularly focusing on providing the information and opportunities they need to end dating violence.  Day One brings counseling, legal assistance and educational workshops to adolescents and teenagers in New York City public schools to build knowledge and provide resources for young people at risk.  Day One is the only organization in New York City focused solely on teen relationship abuse. Partnering with youth to end dating abuse and domestic violence, Day One provides community education, legal advocacy, supportive services, and leadership development.

For interviews and commentary on what Day One is doing to help young people in New York City, contact Stephanie Nilva, Executive Director, at 212.590.9501.