Dating Violence Subject of Presentation to Crime Victims Board

ALBANY, NY (10/21/2009)(readMedia)-- Rob Curry, Senior Vice President of External Affairs at Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood (UHPP) presented a workshop on the topic of dating violence to over ninety participants at the New York State Crime Victims Board conference in Buffalo, New York on October 21, 2009.

Curry explored trends in adolescent sexuality and the impact that dating violence and unhealthy relationship has made on both the self-esteem and the decision-making skills of young people. He shared results of the 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) which indicated that experiences of dating violence and forced sexual behavior continues to rise among our youth. He also discussed the all too prevalent justifications for these actions by misguided adults and informed participants about several strategies that have proven successful in reducing dating violence.

The workshop included the observations of a cohort of young people in UHPP's S.T.A.R.S. (Seriously Talking About Responsible Sex) Peer Education program, regarding what they've seen and learned from their peers in local schools and communities. Information was also provided about how to "better" ask those tough questions of young peoplein order to be more comfortable around issues of sexuality, sexual health and sexuality, including healthy relationships, self-esteem, decision-making, partner-communication and dating violence.

The audience was invited to participate actively in exercises designed to provoke self examination around issues of sexual activity, sexual violence and responses to sexual violence. Special emphasis was placed on the need for improved and expanded sex education in schools as an important factor in addressing these issues.

Curry has a Master's degree in Education and has worked as an educator, professional trainer and administrator while at Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood. He is a frequently requested speaker at Albany Medical College on health education and services for special populations including youth. Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood education and patient services staff are trained to address issues of sexual health and violence prevention with all clients and program participants.

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Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood (UHPP) is a community-based non-profit organization providing advocacy, education and medical services for reproductive health care since 1934. In 2008, over 11,000 patients made 22,257 visits to UHPP health centers located in Albany, Hudson and Troy. UHPP health educators present over 500 education programs reaching over 6,000 youth and young adults each year. UHPP services are delivered with special concern for the underserved.