Expect Respect is a comprehensive school-based program that works to prevent dating and sexual violence. This program supports youth who have experienced violence or abuse and engages all members of the school community in promoting safe and healthy relationships.

The following services are available:

School-based Counseling and Support Groups-SafePlace counselors provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and educational support groups for students involved in abusive dating relationships and for students at risk due to previous abuse or exposure to domestic violence. Boys' and girls' groups are available. Please see list of participating schools for support group locations. Crisis intervention and follow-up sessions are available at K-12 schools by calling SafePlace.

SafeTeens and Heroes Youth Leadership Training: SafeTeens (8 sessions) prepares youth in middle and high schools to become leaders in preventing violence and promoting positive relationships. Heroes, for elementary school-age students, includes 4 sessions. Both programs, provided in schools and community settings, include youth-led service learning projects.

Staff and Parent Seminars: Seminars are available for school faculty and parent groups on the effects of domestic violence on youth, recognizing and responding to the warning signs of dating violence, and implementing a school/community-wide prevention campaign.

Changing Lives Youth Theatre Company
The 2006-07 season performance, Reality, Open Your Eyes, was created by youth for teen and adult audiences on topics including dating violence, sexual assault, and healthy relationships. Changing Lives is a collaboration between SafePlace, Theatre Action Project Inc. and the City of Austin. For more information and to schedule performances please call Theatre Action Project at 512.442.8773 www.theatreactionproject.org