Dear ACC School Board,

We, the undersigned, ask for the Safe Dates program to be implemented in Athens-Clarke County schools. The Safe Dates program is the only evidence-based curriculum that prevents dating abuse: a factor often linked to alcohol and other drug use.

Highly engaging and interactive, Safe Dates helps teens recognize the difference between caring, supportive relationships and controlling, manipulative, or abusive dating relationships. Designated as a Model Program by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. In 2006, Safe Dates was selected for the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP), and received high ratings on all criteria.