Nearly 10 percent of high school students – men and women – experience physical abuse by their intimate partner, according to the CDC. Unless this cycle of violence and emotional abuse is addressed, these young adults will join the millions who live within an unhealthy relationship, some ending fatally.
Emily Nuñez, a college freshman at Cal Poly Pomona, is among a group of Boyle Heights teens working at the East Los Angeles Women’s Center to help break the cycle.
“The main focus of our group is to be able to spread awareness on what domestic violence is, especially for teenagers because it’s the time they start to date,” said the youth advocate. “It’s important that we show what the signs of an unhealthy relationship are and how to have healthy relationships.”
The group of organizers meet weekly to plan for their workshops at local schools or at conferences. Through slides and role-playing activities, they present on what is consent and on spotting signs of an unhealthy relationship.
The youth group is no exception to the coronavirus pandemic. They have been forced to move their activity online. While her outreach has been certainly limited, her work is more crucial than ever since domestic violence has likely increased due to stay-at-home orders.
“I think it’s important for young teens to know exactly what intimate partner violence is because, unfortunately, many have passed away due to this.”
Last year, Emily and her colleagues created a Dia de los Muertos altar, a Mexican tradition to honor those who have died. But instead of family members, the group honored those who had been killed by intimate partner violence.
According to the CDC, U.S. crime reports suggest that about 1 in 5 homicide victims are killed by an intimate partner and more than half of female homicide victims are killed by a current or former male intimate partner.
“Domestic violence is an epidemic that we’re going through,” Emily added. “It’s important for them to understand how to save themselves from these relationships.”
Their primary way of reaching their target audience is through their Instagram @elawcyouth, where they post advice, promotions and resources.
“I know it can be hard, I know it can be scary,” says Emily, but she encourages those in toxic relationships to leave these situations and seek help.
AR Experience
Experience Emily and her colleagues’ Dia de los Muertos altar through this augmented reality Snapchat Lens. Get the lens.
