Teens have unique needs. Our experience has shown—and studies report—that not so uniquely, many teens experience domestic and dating violence and unhealthy relationships, which can cause serious problems in their lives. The dangers of abuse and risks to health and safety that teens face are no different than those of adults.
La Casa’s Teen Program provides issue-specific intervention and prevention services tailored to the unique dynamics of teen lives and teen dating and domestic violence. Through our Drop In Center and at community partner locations, we support teens who have experienced violence in their relationships and in their homes. We also provide resources to teens who are at risk of abuse.
Immediate help is available to teens 24 hours a day, 365 days a year through our confidential and toll-free Teen Crisis Line:
Teen Line 1-877-923-0700
La Casa also provides one-on-one counseling and services that mirror our general model of strengths-based support. La Casa’s Teen Program instills youth with individualized and group support services that can address many needs for safety, as well as academic and life success, both immediately and over time.
Teen Program services are available at several locations across the city. For instance, La Casa partners with the San Francisco Wellness Initiative to support teens in the public school system. Support services are also available to the children and siblings of Teen Program participants. Contact a teen counselor to make an appointment or learn more.
Education and Outreach
La Casa’s Teen Program engages youth and youth allies (parents, teachers, service providers, mentors, and leaders) in outreach and education about the intersections of youth and dating and domestic violence. Through adolescent-appropriate presentations, workshops, and learning sessions—Domestic Violence 101 for Teens—La Casa helps teens recognize the signs of abuse, understand healthy and unhealthy relationships, and explore how the “cycle of violence” may impact their lives. For youth allies, these presentations help participants consider how they may safely reach out to a teen who may be in danger.
La Casa also works to galvanize youth to prevent future violence. Learn more about La Casa’s teen dating violence awareness campaign, Girls Got Each Other’s Backs!
One Girl’s Story
After recently participating in a teen girls’ support group, Rosemary described an increased awareness of power and control tactics in an unhealthy relationship and gained a deeper understanding of what equality looks like in a healthy relationship. In her own words: “I feel more awake, alive, and I know I deserve to be loved and respected. In life I have to be my own leader.”
