DeKalb County Torchbearer - February 2020 - Jennifer Ann's Group - Teen Dating Violence prevention

THE RELAY
Your Weekly Community Update
DeKalb County, Georgia

February 8, 2020
Volume 4 Issue 6

DeKalb County Torchbearer

Torchbearer: a person who leads or inspires others in working toward a values goal

This week, we're honoring a local DeKalb County-based nonprofit organization that has been working to prevent teen dating violence since 2006: Jennifer Ann's Group. The month of February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

Jennifer Ann's Group uses a unique approach to directly reach youth to prevent violence by developing video games. Its "Gaming Against Violence" program has produced, published and researched pro-social video games that engage, educate and empower. With a portfolio of more than 50 games, the organization addresses issues like bystander awareness, consent, gaslighting, healthy relationships and violence prevention. Two journal-published studies have shown the games are effective at changing unhealthy beliefs or attitudes after a single gameplay.

These games are all free and available to play online or download for smartphones or tablets. For more information as well as other teen dating violence resources, visit JenniferAnn.org