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Teen Dating Abuse Expert Discusses Solutions to Milwaukee's Teen Pregnancy and Sexual Violence Problems
Dr. Jill Murray, a leading national authority on teenage abusive dating relationships, visited Milwaukee on Monday, November 1 and addressed women philanthropists at United Way of Greater Milwaukee's Women's Initiative Fall Event - "Healthy Girls Matter." Dr. Murray's keynote address was centered on what matters most - protecting young girls from sexual violence and abusive dating relationships and why the Greater Milwaukee community should take action. Joining Dr. Murray on the podium was Milwaukee Chief of Police Nannette H. Hegarty. Chief Hegarty spoke about her work in sensitive crimes, and how skyrocketing rates of teen pregnancy and sexual violence have affected the community from a law enforcement viewpoint.
Dr. Murray is a highly sought-after guest lecturer at conferences across the country and in Canada. She has appeared on more than 200 television shows, including Oprah, Montel, Leeza, John Walsh and Dr. Laura. Her first book, But I Love Him - Protecting Your Teen Daughter from Controlling, Abusive Dating Relationships, was written at the suggestion of Oprah Winfrey and has become the influential book to parents, teens and those who work with children on the subject of teen dating relationships.
After her keynote address, Dr. Murray spent the afternoon at Sarah Scott Middle School for the Health Sciences, 1017 N. 12th Street, Milwaukee, talking to teens about abusive relationships and sexual violence. Nationally, she speaks to more than 100,000 teens and their parents each year on the subject of dating relationships.
The Healthy Girls Project, the signature project of the Women's Initiative, supports proven programs that address the two most critical issues facing girls in Milwaukee: teen pregnancy and sexual violence against girls. Compared with the 50 largest cities in the U.S., Milwaukee has the second highest rate of teen pregnancy over all and the highest rate among African Americans. Forty-two percent of girls younger than 15 years reported their first sexual encounter was nonconsensual. More than one in seven high school girls report being forced, either physically or verbally, to take part in sexual activity.
Aurora Health Care, a nationally recognized leader and preferred provider of women's health services in Eastern Wisconsin hosted the event at the Aurora Women's Pavilion, 8901 West Lincoln Avenue, West Allis. For the 2004 United Way Community Campaign, Aurora Health Care will match all dollars designated to the Healthy Girls Project, as well as new and increased dollars from members of the Women's Initiative, up to $50,000.
United Way's Women's Initiative offers women opportunities to strengthen our community through focused investment of time, talent and financial resources. Women who give a United Way leadership gift of $1200 or more, or are partners in a joint gift of $2400 or more are invited to be members of the Women's Initiative.
United Way of Greater Milwaukee invests in what matters most, improving lives. United Way multiplies the impact individuals have to make a difference by bringing together the financial and human resources of the whole community.
UNITED WAY OF GREATER MILWAUKEE
copyright (c) 2005 United Way
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