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Health & Fitness

Queen of Peace Frosh and Sophomore Students Participate in "Dear Lisa" Program

Burbank, IL –December 12, 2013 – Queen of Peace has been bringing the “Dear Lisa” program to the school for a number of years. The “Dear Lisa” program is a Dating Violence Prevention Program developed by Mr. Tom Santoro after the tragic death of his daughter, Lisa, in 1994. Lisa was a victim of dating violence. 

Mr. Santoro showed a video, read journal entries and talked about dating and domestic violence with all of the Frosh and Sophomore Theology classes. He started with an explanation of how abuse starts (typically verbal) and how it escalates.  He also gave examples of situations and asked how the girls would react to them. According to Mr. Santoro every 9 seconds a woman is being battered so it’s important that women are being educated on dating violence.

According to Queen of Peace counselor Ashley Dick, “The “Dear Lisa” Project is an eye-opening experience for students every year.  It offers critical information about the warning signs for abusive relationships that our girls need to possess in our society today.   Most students have probably never even talked about dating violence before, let alone heard from someone who has been directly affected by its consequences.  Students need to know that abusive relationships come in many different forms and that the best defense against getting involved in a violent relationship is to have TRUST and RESPECT between both people.  This is a lesson for all types of relationships, not just romantic/dating relationships.  This is the type of program that allows us to ‘Empower Women of Peace’, which is paramount to our school’s mission and vision.” 

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Mr. Santoro explained the different red flags and warnings that women should look out for. He also went on to explain what a healthy relationship looks like, one that is filled with trust and respect. We hope this program helps our students make good decisions in any difficult situation they may encounter.

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About Queen of Peace

Queen of Peace, a Catholic Dominicans of Sinsinawa college preparatory high school, educates and empowers diverse young women in an environment that inspires academic excellence. The Queen of Peace community promotes collaboration, moral and ethical leadership, service and a passion for peace and justice. The school is located at 7659 S. Linder Ave. in Burbank, IL. To learn more about Queen of Peace please visit us at www.queenofpeacehs.org

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