IN observance of Teen Dating Violence Month, which is held annually in February, the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence will hold the “Know Your Worth” competition from Feb. 10 to 28.
The competition has three categories: art, essay and spoken word, according to Alleny Tenorio, the coalition’s program assistant.
She is encouraging students from sixth to 12th grades to participate. There will be two divisions: one for middle school students, sixth- to eighth-graders; and the other for high school students, ninth- to 12th-graders.
In the art category, participants can submit 2D paintings, drawings, photos or any art-related material.
Essays should be 300 to 500 words. Participants will be asked to answer one writing prompt related to teen dating violence in the CNMI.
For the spoken word category, participants must submit original poems by Feb. 10, 2023.
The prizes for the art and essay categories are $150 for first place, $100 for second place, and $75 for third place.
At stake for the spoken word category are $300 for first prize; $200, second prize; $150, third prize; and $100 for People’s Choice.
Tenorio said they are working closely with both public and private schools and encouraging interested students to participate in the competitions.
“Teen dating violence is real and this is an opportunity for our youth to voice out their opinions and help stop violence and abuse in dating,” she said.
Say no to violence in dating
Tenorio said, “Most teen dating violence [incidents] in schools are not reported or heard, that is why we want to raise awareness.”
On social media, cyber abuse is rampant, she added.
An example is sending out or posting private and intimate videos or photos on social media whenever there is an argument or after a breakup, she said.
Another type of cyber abuse is sending nude photos or sexually related messages to teens. “It is illegal and it is a federal offense,” Tenorio said.
“Know your worth,” she added. “If you are in a relationship with someone, watch out for the red flags. Check if you are with a jealous person who monitors your every activity and wants to video-call so you can ‘prove’ where you are, or someone who constantly checks your private things such as your phone, or hurts you physically.”
“Talk to someone,” Tenorio said. “Check with your school counselor or parent. Be open about your relationship. Do not engage in sexual activities because it might be a tool for sexual abuse.”
