Transitioning Times

 Transitions of PA is pleased to announce a very special video contest!  In this dating violence video contest, high school students attending schools in Northumberland, Snyder, or Union Counties can create a brief video focused on dating violence for their chance to win cash prizes. Entering the contest is easy… from now until February 14 th , 2017 students can create a 30-60 second video focusing on dating violence, this should include what a healthy relationship is, the signs of abuse and how to get help.  Participants should upload their videos to YouTube and send their links to heather_s@transitionsofpa.org . (There is an underscore _ between heather and s). When submissions are in, a team of staff members at Transitions will choose up to five finalists.  These videos will then be placed on Transitions’ Facebook page for the public to decide the winner by the number of “likes” each video receives.  Your team will be notified if your video is ...

This is hands-down one of the best Public Service Announcements I have seen.  It not only brings up issues of consent, but it also encourages bystander intervention. This scenario is a great example of how someone is still awake, waking around, somewhat engaging with others, but is not in a position to consent to sexual activity.  You can see her glassed-over eyes, her swaying, her vacant stare, her complacency.   There is a lot of discussion about consent intellectually , but on the street, on campus, in the bar, I don't think people know the difference between who is a person having a fun time, making informed decisions and who isn't.  How do you solve a problem like that?  ASK!  I once read an article that encouraged people to just ask others "are you ok?" if you suspect anything...domestic violence, child abuse, human trafficking, anything that smells fishy, just ask the person.  If they aren't ok, it gives them the opportunity to say no, a...