be a leader. bring the yellow card challenge to your team
STUDENT ATHLETES
The Yellow Card Challenge™ is calling for you to step up as leaders in the work against dating abuse. Physical violence, emotional control and sexual pressure are forms of abuse that no one should have to face.
As athletes, you are leaders among your peers. You strive for excellence on the field and we urge you to do the same off of it.
Embrace your leadership role.
TAKE A STAND against dating violence. Don’t accept the use of violence in relationships or the need to control.
MODEL healthy relationships. Live up to the mantra yourself and show respect.
PROMOTE a culture of safety and respect. Recognize warning signs of abuse and show concern for friends involved.
COACHES
The Yellow Card Challenge™ is a quick, proactive way for you to bring your team together to discuss dating violence.
We will work our engaging program around your schedule and provide your team with this important message without disrupting your normal activities.
The program is designed to focus on your players’ roles as leaders in their school community and to help them become a positive force against dating violence.
By taking part in the program, you and your team will be taking the proactive step of setting the tone for how teens and young adults should act in relationships.
See Team Photos
ADMINISTRATORS
Bringing the Yellow Card Challenge™ to your young athletes will provide them with an opportunity to get a quick understanding of how to model good dating behavior for your whole school. The challenge is meant to inspire leadership in preventing dating abuse.
The program offers you the opportunity to show that your athletic department is ahead of the curve in addressing dating violence by taking proactive steps that emphasize individual and group leadership and prevention.
We will accommodate your busy schedule to present this brief program to your teams in a way that is enticing to your athletes and not disruptive for your coaches.
Contact no2datingabuse@jbws.org to bring the program to your team or club now.
engage
AWARENESS PROJECTS
Looking for a meaningful service project for yourself or your club? February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, with one day set aside as Wear Orange Day. What a perfect time to spread awareness to prevent abuse. You could create your own PSA, posters, morning announcements, or organize a fundraiser or collection for our domestic violence safe house. Don’t want to wait until February to engage your school or community? That's ok too. See our project list. For help, contact us at no2datingabuse@jbws.org
GAME DAY AWARENESS
Take the Yellow Card Challenge™ a step further and bring the program out onto the field, or court with you. We can work with your team to deliver apparel that your team can wear during a game to raise awareness about dating abuse. We can also come to the games and set up an information table so that your fans and family know what you stand for.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Don’t forget to follow the movement and spread the word to say No2DatingAbuse.
YOUTH CONFERENCE
Each year, more than 150 student peer and athletic leaders join together for a one day leadership conference to prevent dating abuse. The day is filled with guest speakers, a theatrical performance, and student creative projects. Visit our Instagram and Facebook page to see the student PSAs created at this year’s conference. Students who attended the 2015 Youth Conference are eligible to help plan the next year’s conference. Want to learn more? Just send us an email.
learn
IS THIS ABUSE?
Dating violence or abuse is when one person controls or coerces the other in an intimate relationship. It is about power and control.
We often think of abusive behavior as being limited to physical battering and downplay the serious negative effects of verbal, emotional, or sexual abuse from a partner. Abusive methods of control can come in many forms, and often carry an obvious or unstated threat of physical or sexual violence. Learn to recognize the warning signs of an abusive relationship such as:
- Overly jealous & possessive
- Needs to control the relationship
- Name calling and put-downs
- Keeping tabs and constantly texting
- Isolation from family and friends
- Physical roughness, threats & intimidation
- Pressure to have sex
- Won’t let go of the relationship
If you know someone experiencing control in a relationship, learn how to HELP.
TO LEARN MORE
The No2DatingAbuse™ program offers educational presentations in middle school, high school, college, faith-based and community groups. Through discussion, activities, audio-visuals, and references to pop culture and current events, the program educates more than 7,500 youth and young adults in about 20 schools and beyond.
The No2DatingAbuse™ school curriculum meets the requirements of the Teen Dating Violence Act signed by the Governor on May 5, 2011, is aligned with the NJ State Curriculum Standards for Health Education. To schedule a presentation, call 973-267-7520 Ext. 136 or email no2datingabuse@jbws.org.
help
FOR A FRIEND HURTING FROM ABUSE
You may be the first person to suspect that your friend is being abused. And, you may be the person your friend confides in when there is a problem.
But before you have that conversation, think carefully about what you are going to say and where you will do it. Every situation is unique and sometimes just talking about the abuse with the victim can be dangerous. See tips for talking to a friend.
If you are worried about your or your friend’s safety, then a knowledgeable adult or the 24-hour helpline is a good place to start. You can speak to someone on the phone without giving your name.
Our counselors specialize in working with teens, young adults and parents who are concerned about unhealthy and controlling relationships. Counselors are available to talk by phone, meet at school or at our private location. The services are free and confidential. For help, please call our 24-hour helpline 1-877-R-U-ABUSED and someone will be there ready to listen and support you.
FOR A FRIEND WHO IS USING ABUSE
Someone who is being abusive to a dating partner will likely continue to be abusive unless they get help. It’s not easy to confront a friend about abuse, but it’s important because everyone deserves to have a safe and healthy relationship. Here are some tips to help you.*
- Be clear and specific. Honestly describe what happened and your reaction. “I didn’t like it when you called your girlfriend fat and ugly in front of us. She must have felt really embarrassed.”
- Don’t reject your friend, just the behavior. Let your friend know that abusive and controlling behavior has negative consequences.
- Encourage your friend to talk to a trusted adult — a counselor, mentor, teacher, parent, or coach. Let your friend know that there are places that can help them, including Choices, our counseling program for male high school and college students. (973-539-7801).
*An excerpt from What You Need to Know about Dating Violence — A Teen Handbook by Liz Claiborne.
resources
HELP IN MORRIS COUNTY
Call 1-877-R-U-ABUSED to reach the confidential counseling services of No2DatingAbuse™ and JBWS.
Call 973-539-7801 for Choices, our counseling program for male high school & college students who are using abusive behavior toward their dating partner or family member.
Visit JBWS.org for a full list of services including a 24-hour helpline; counseling; safe house; transitional living; children's services; life skills education; vocational counseling; batterers' intervention; legal assistance; teen dating violence services; and professional training, education and youth prevention programs.
WEBSITES
For coaches who want to do a more extensive program with their athletes, get your Coaches Kit from Coaching Boys into Men.
Visit Love is Respect for interactive relationship quizzes, live chat with a peer advocate or text “Loveis” to 22522 to text with a peer advocate.
The One Love My Plan App is an anonymous, free app to help you to determine if a relationship is unsafe and creates an action plan for those in dangerous situations.
HANDOUTS
Does This Relationship Need a Warning?
Is Your Relationship on The Right Road?
Before You Break-up
Show C-O-N-C-E-R-N
Service Project List
Yellow Card
