RAVEN Youth Violence Program

Beginning September 8, 2008, RAVEN Non-Violence Education Program will
restart its Onsite *Youth Violence Prevention Group*. Males ages 12-17
will have the opportunity to participate on Mondays from 4:45 pm – 6:00
pm at the RAVEN office. *The RAVEN Youth Program* is an educational
program that specializes in working with youth that are at risk for
committing violence in their relationships. Risk factors include:

Youth who have witnessed domestic violence
Youth who have acted violently in the past
Youth who live in environments that are tolerant of violence

The *RAVEN Youth Violence Prevention Group* allows youth to explore
interpersonal values and gender norms, while learning risk reduction
tools and skills that provide alternatives to abuse and violence. For
nearly four years, *RAVEN* has served over 2,400 youth in the city of St
Louis. Participants have included students from the St Louis City
Family Court System, St Vincent’s Home, Roosevelt High School, YMCA,
Long Middle School, Normandy High School, and other youth centered
settings. The 12-week group uses an interactive format that includes
discussion, group projects, videos, and activities to help youth learn
how to avoid future violent and/or abusive behavior. As with our adult
program, groups are “open” so participants can join at any time. This
ensures that the leadership of current group members reinforces program
goals and model personal accountability for incoming youth.

The group covers topics such as power & control in relationships, media
messages, gender socialization, stereotypes and societal pressure,
trigger & warning signs, healthy communication skills, and other
important topics. Again, this is not a support nor therapeutic group by
design, this group serves to complement that work by focusing on
nonviolence education.

The cost of *RAVEN Youth Violence Prevention Group* is based on a
sliding scale fee. However, as part of our commitment to ensure that
the cycle of violence is broken, youth with a mother or other legal
guardian currently in a domestic violence shelter will be allowed to
attend the group at no cost for 12 weeks. For more information or to
set up an assessment, please contact Christopher at christopher@ravenstl.org
or (314) 289-8000 x502.
Sincerely,

Christopher Watson
Youth Program Coordinator