Curriculum Structure
Love Is Not Abuse lessons begin with a poem, short story or passage from a novel that illustrates a key dating-violence concept (for example, many individuals who experience dating violence are reluctant to seek help). Students read, discuss and write about the text and then focus on practicing a skill related to the concept (for example, how to identify and reach out to a supportive adult when you are-or a friend is-in an abusive relationship).
The challenges inherent in teen dating relationships come to life as students explore new perspectives through the eyes of a fictional character or an author. For instance, while reading a poem about the regret an adolescent girl feels for not having intervened before her best friend was killed by an abusive boyfriend, students recognize the power of the bystander in dating violence. Where possible, the lessons include background information for students about the featured authors to lend credibility and a sense of "realness" to the activities.
The curriculum is composed of lesson plans for activities which teachers can use in the classroom, handouts and transparencies for teachers to duplicate, and detailed background information for teachers about the scope of the problem and how to respond to students in need of assistance. Additional print and electronic resources will be recommended for use in extension activities.
Love Is Not Abuse aims to raise awareness about the problem of dating violence, recommend resources for students in need to fall back onto, and, ultimately, help to prevent dating violence from occurring in the future.
