Category: Youth/Prevention

(DESTIN, Fla.) February 9, 2017 – Shelter House and Project Respect kicked off Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month by hosting Quest 4 Respect, a social media scavenger hunt for teens. Dozens of young people dashed around Destin Commons last Friday snapping pictures on Instagram. The pictures were based on clues that carried messages about healthy relationships and warning signs for unsafe relationships.

“Nearly 1.5 million high school students are physically abused by a dating partner each year in the U.S. Add in those who are emotionally and verbally abused, and the numbers are staggering,” said Rosalyn Iovieno, Shelter House executive director. “It is happening here, and we want teens to know how to identify red flags early in the relationship before the abuse begins.”

Adrian Hamilton, a sophomore at Fort Walton Beach High School, was the first to complete the scavenger hunt and won a prize pack that included a Destin Commons gift card, passes to Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl and Grill and a Shelter House t-shirt. All other teens that completed the scavenger hunt were entered into a drawing for additional prizes.

All Quest 4 Respect attendees received a Dating Bill of Rights wallet card and glow jewelry. DJ 30A contributed to the party-like atmosphere by spinning tunes throughout the event.

Follow Project Respect and Shelter House on Facebook and Instagram for more information on Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and future events.

(DESTIN, Fla.) January 23, 2017 – One in 10 high school students has been hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend. As we recognize Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in February, Shelter House and Project Respect present a fun new event that will teach local teens about healthy relationships and warning signs for unsafe relationships.

Quest 4 Respect is a social media scavenger hunt starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, February 3 at Destin Commons. Cards with clues will take teens on an Instagram scavenger hunt throughout the shopping center where they will snap pictures for a chance to win prizes. Teens that finish the scavenger hunt will be entered to win a big prize pack with numerous items donated by Destin Commons restaurants and retailers. The party continues until 8 p.m. with DJ 30A, a photo booth, glow sticks and more.

“Many parents don’t realize it, but teen dating violence does happen right here in our community,” said Shelter House Executive Director Rosalyn Iovieno. “Shelter House and Project Respect work to educate teens about red flags in relationships and stopping the cycle of violence before it even starts. It is our hope that the positive messages teens receive at Quest 4 Respect will set them up for success in future healthy relationships.”

Quest 4 Respect is a free event for all teens. Pre-registration is not required. More information can be found on the Project Respect Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ProjectRespectOW.