Press Release: Break the Cycle Expands LGBTQ Efforts

Hear My Voice Campaign Expands

Break the Cycle Triples the Scope of First-ever National Campaign Targeting LGTBQ around the Issue of Dating Violence

Los Angeles, CA (November 22, 2010) – Break the Cycle, the nation’s leading teen dating violence prevention organization, is excited to announce the expansion of our Hear My Voice Campaign, raising awareness among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth ages 14-24 about dating violence in the greater metropolitan areas of Los Angeles, CA, Chicago, IL and Austin, TX.

The first national campaign to target this underserved group around this sensitive issue, Hear My Voice began in Los Angeles with seed funding from the Office for Victims of Crime. Now, with their continued support, the campaign is expanding eastwards to Chicago and Austin.

LGBTQ youth are at particularly high risk for victimization and face unique challenges when dealing with dating abuse. A recent survey of high school students found 30% of self identified LGBTQ youth reported experiencing dating abuse. When experiencing abuse, LGBTQ youth are extremely unlikely to seek help in part because there are so few services that address their unique needs.

In response to this need and the demand from those who do work with LGBTQ youth, Break the Cycle is pleased to expand Hear My Voice. The campaign consists of targeted print and online resources that both youth and adults can use to avoid, diagnose and escape unhealthy relationships.

Additional funding from Verizon Wireless West Area Hopeline will help translate the materials into Spanish.

About Break the Cycle

Break the Cycle believes everyone has the right to safe and healthy relationships. As the leading voice for teens on the issue of dating violence, Break the Cycle advocates for policy and legislative changes that will better protect the rights and promote the health of teens nationwide. Engaging, educating and empowering youth through prevention and intervention programs, Break the Cycle helps young people identify and build healthy relationships. For more information, please visit www.breakthecycle.org.