Winners of Ulster County’s Teen Dating Violence Video Contest Announced

According to the CDC, of high school students who date, 21% of females and 10% of males say that they have experienced physical or sexual dating violence. According to the same report, of those adult individuals who report physical violence or stalking from an intimate partner, 22% of women and 15% of men report having first experienced some type of partner violence between the ages of 11 and 17.

Think about that, between 11 and 17. While it's hard to believe teen dating violence is happening, and probably at a rate higher than what's being reported as some people may be fearful to come forward, it's an issue that need to be addressed. That's why for the third year, Ulster County has held a teen dating violence video contest to not only raise awareness, but to also try to stop it before it starts.

Ulster County Executive Mike Hein announced the winners today and so we say congratulations to first place winners: Dante Langley, Masiah Otero, and Anthony Ramos, twelfth graders at Ellenville High School; second place winner: Michael Averill, an eleventh grade student at Saugerties High School; and third place winners: Erin Blank eleventh grade at Saugerties High School.

If you, or anyone you know is experiencing any type of violence from a partner, there are people ready to help you. Call the National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline at 1-866-331-9474.