Facts

According to the Child abuse Prevention and Treatment ACT of 2010, the impact of abuse and neglect, greatly affects a child’s mental, physical, and social health costing huge economic dollars each year (CPTA, 2015). Teen V.I.B.E addresses issues triggered by abuse, neglect, and abandonment that cause a teen to retreat within themselves, losing their identity and sense of self-worth.  Dating abuse, drugs, rape, incest, neglect, and bullying are all other abusive incidents that teens face today.  Abuse of any nature cripples the schools and our communities.  For example, teen suicide is on the rise in Colorado Springs and other places around the country.  It is not known whether there are issues in the home or if suicide is attributed to academic pressure in school. Suicide clusters cause contagious emotions and behaviors causing other teens to be susceptible to suicide (Kutner, 2016).  Parents, teachers, and other community organizations find it critical to find solutions which prevent school massacres and suicides by finding was for teens to report threats, fear, abuse or other personal concerns.

Statistics show that child abuse and neglect occurs at every socioeconomic level, regardless of culture, ethnicity, religion, or level of education.  Most abuse is not reported due to fear and lack of education, causing only one in ten incidents ever to be reported (PCAHC, 2016).  Teens also tend to find solitude through the use of drugs to cope with the various pressures presented from school or home, hoping to feel better about themselves.  There are many study-based programs for youth aimed at reducing suicide, violence, drug use, teen pregnancy, and other behavioral problems, yet many organizations struggle with the psychology surrounding promoting progressive youth development (Klau, 2006).  Therefore, Teen V.I.B.E becomes an outlet and the avenue used to educate and mentor teen girls, building healthy individuals for success in today’s society.