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Published Wednesday, November 25, 2020
Teenagers participate in talks against
violence financed by the U.S.
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
The United States Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, INL, has financed ten workshops since July for 296 teenagers between 12 and 18 years old focused on how to detect domestic violence.
According to the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica, teens also learned strategies to take action in cases of violence, such as seeking help, developing self-esteem, building trust, and recognizing signs of abusive relationships.
Of the participants, 60 were named as program leaders. They will be in charge of replicating and amplifying what they have learned in their communities.
12 of those leaders will develop the same talks program in their neighborhoods.
This year, teenagers from communities such as Guararí in Heredia Province, La Capri in San José Province, Aguas Zarcas in Alajuela Province and El Carmen in Cartago Province participated in the talks.
All participants received recognition from the "Make Yourself Heard" program.
The campaign "Make Yourself Heard: The Walls Do Not Speak, You Need To!" Explains what domestic violence is with clear messages on relationships based on respect, tolerance, human rights, sexual identity, self-esteem, and emotions.
The program also trains adults, development associations, and other organizations addressing these topics in each community, the embassy said.
According to the embassy, the campaign’s goal is to lower the frequency of domestic violence in communities where it is a frequent occurrence.
“Domestic violence is a scourge that affects us all,” said Sharon Day, the U.S. Ambassador in Costa Rica. “The United States is committed to combating domestic violence in all its forms and that is why today we recognize the efforts of the participants from the Make Yourself Heard program. "
The Make Yourself Heard program was created in 2019 with INL funding for $650,000, said the embassy.
In Costa Rica, the program is conducted by the Population Services International organization, PSI, and the Glasswing International Foundation, with the support of the National Union of Local Governments (UNGL) and other public institutions.
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Is domestic violence a larger problem in Costa Rica than it is in the United States? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com
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