This program seeks to prevent domestic violence before it starts by helping youth build the skills necessary for creating and maintaining healthy relationships. The Prevention Coordinator collaborates with local schools and after-school centers to schedule and implement primary prevention groups, in which youth develop positive, non-violent relationship skills that can be used to avoid becoming victims or perpetrators of intimate partner violence.
Additionally, the Prevention Coordinator provides training to program staff on how to support youth in further developing healthy relationship skills. Group sessions are presented in a weekly, one-hour format, using evidence-informed curriculum that is combined with a variety of hands-on, skill-building activities tailored to foster healthy attitudes and behaviors toward dating relationships.
Previous and Current Community Partners
Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Okaloosa-Walton Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (OWDVCC) - Prevention Committee
The Boys and Girls Club of the Emerald Coast
Youth Village
Eglin Air Force Base Airmen Against Domestic Violence
Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD)
Crestview High School
Freeport High School
Eleanor Johnson Youth Center
Shelter House is committed to making sure the needs of the children are addressed and met to the best of its ability. Each child that enters into the emergency shelter will be assessed for immediate needs with the permission of their parent/legal guardian.
The Child Victim Advocate will conduct an evaluation to assess each child’s needs and exposure to any type of abuse. If necessary, referrals will be given to the parent/legal guardian to address specific issues.
Shelter House also provides child therapy services free of charge to all our families through an independent licensed therapist who is available by appointment through a Victim Advocate.
Follow Project Respect, the primary prevention community action team, on Facebook.
To speak with a trained Shelter House advocate, please call 850-863-4777 or 1-800-44-ABUSE (2873).