What is HSVPP?

 As a part of a countywide effort, RCS has taken a unique approach of engaging young men and women ages 14-18, their parents and school site staff to become part of the solution to prevent first-time perpetration of family violence, including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.  In the fall of 2005, RCS was selected as one of six rape crisis centers (out of 84) in the state to receive a special grant to implement a local-level MyStrength Campaign.  Following the success of this special initiative, RCS developed a multi-faceted prevention program, integrating MyStrength Campaign.  This program in now known as the RCS High School Violence Prevention Program (HSVPP).

At present, RCS is partnering with six local high schools to coordinate additional training and education, geared to participating students, their parents and school site staff.  The RCS High School Violence Prevention Program has established “MyStrength Clubs” (for young men) and “I Expect Respect Clubs” (for young women) at each of these schools, carrying on the themes from the initiation of the Program.  These clubs provide opportunities for both male and female youth to take leadership roles in violence prevention.

The RCS High School Violence Prevention Program is made possible by grants from the California Department of Public Health Services http://cdph.ca.gov and the Fresno County’s Office of Education Migrant Program, Region IV http://migrant.fcoe.k12.ca.us/districts/index.html