A group of students from the Teen Dating Abuse Council at CHS visited local middle schools last week to spread the word about teen dating abuse.

Started in 2007, the TDAC is a division of the Teen Dating Abuse Program (TDAP), an initiative of the Linda and Rudy Slucker NCJW Center for Women. Since 1992, TDAP has been visiting high schools throughout Essex County to educate students on warning signs of abuse and elements of healthy relationships. TDAP reports that one in three teens will be involved in a dating abuse situation before high school graduation.

Last Wednesday, the TDAC members spoke to eighth graders at Maplewood Middle School. On Friday, they met with seventh and eighth grade classes at South Orange Middle, hoping to pass the word on to their younger peers in order to stop the abuse before it starts.

"They seemed really interested in what we had to say," said Irene Davis, "and some seemed as if they got it and now know what it is."

"I think the kids and the presenters felt the connection," advisor Diane Beni said. "They were using terms I didn't know; they were speaking at the same level. When I go in, they are like 'Oh come on old lady, what do you know about Facebook?' But [the middle schoolers] know that these kids are in the mix, doing all this stuff, too."

The group of six students presented for about an hour, mainly by relating personal stories and those of friends. They asked that their names not be printed, as several of the abusive boyfriends still live in the community.

"We're trying to put it into persepective for them," said Beni. "They all know what's going on, but we want them to understand what abuse really is."

"It's important for people around my age to hear it from me," Davis said. "It takes someone like you to really see it and say, 'Wow, she gets it. If this could happen to her, it could happen to me.'"

The high schoolers have been training for the school visits throughout the year. They come in on weekends to learn the material and rehearse the presentation.

Each of the students became involved for different reasons, whether because they saw a friend go through an abusive relationship or personally experienced abuse, but they're all spreading the same message.

Beni was impressed with the middle schoolers' questions and interest after the presentations. Many were asked what they can do if they think a friend is in a bad situation. She says she was especially impressed with how well the TDAC members handled the questions and the advice they offered.

"You have these beautiful girls talking about real situations they've been in," she said, "and the kids are absolutely captivated."

The TDAC members say they learn plenty in the process of educating the middle school students. 

"TDAC has had more of a positive impact on my life than I initially expected. Because of this program I approach relationships and conversations about relationships with a much more level-headed point of view," said 2009 presenter Harrison Galante. "The program has given me more insight on healthy relationships, not to mention refining my presentation skills."

Davis agrees. "This club has taught me so much," she says, "and hopefully I passed down the knowledge I received and hopefully they pass it down to friends and family."

TDAC is hoping to visit each middle school one more time before the end of the year.