Teen Aims to End Dating Violence with Board Service, by Sharing Story

THE WOODLANDS, TX - Vivian Sanchez, a junior at The Woodlands College Park High School, is a brave 16-year-old advocate of change. Since finding the strength to tell her own story of abuse two years ago, she has encouraged her peers - and even traveled to the state’s Capitol Building - to bring teen dating violence and sexual abuse into the public light.

Vivian also began serving on the Young Hearts Matter Leadership Board with the Texas Council on Family Violence to make a greater impact statewide. There, she plans events and campaigns with other youth board members to raise awareness of dating violence in her hometown and in the capitol, particularly during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in Feb.

“I’m thankful to be a part of a board that promotes healthy relationships and advocates for youth. It has given me a voice to advocate for all survivors and to help promote young adults to share their stories. I’m forever thankful for this opportunity,” Vivian said.

When Vivian isn’t using her impressive debate skills at a podium to inspire others to action, she loves cuddling with her cats, doing yoga and trying new vegan foods. One of her favorite past times is simply hanging out with friends.

Vivian believes the most impactful things that will put an end to dating violence is speaking out. “If you know a survivor of dating violence, which we all more than likely do, make yourself available to support them, especially when they’re ready to speak out about it,” Vivian said. “You can never make someone leave the relationship - the individual has to make that decision themselves. Until then, let them know that you are there for them and will be beside them when they’re ready to share their story.”

She cherishes all parts of her advocacy work, but the moment she is most fond of was being at the Capitol Building earlier this year to share her story with a room full high schoolers from all across Texas. “I felt so connected to everyone in the room, and in that moment I truly understood the power my voice has,” she says. She also says her advocacy work has had a huge impact on her own healing from abuse. “I cherish being able to share with my support system all the things I’m doing now.”

Vivian’s time with the Young Hearts Matter Leadership Board has influenced her to become a prosecutor. She loves sitting in on trials and wants to help survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse find justice in court.

“I’ve had friends who have experienced dating violence, and the best thing to do in that moment is just be there for them and give them the right resources,” Vivian says. “In certain situations, if it’s safe, you can intervene. But you need to read the situation first to ensure everyone’s safety.”

Teen Dating Violence affects roughly 11% of young women and 7.5% of young men.

On the issue of Teen Dating Violence:

• From 2017-2019, 19 individuals between the ages of 14 and 19 were killed by their partner in Texas. Last year alone, five youths were killed in intimate partner violence crimes, all murders involving firearms.
• Teen dating violence is not just hitting one’s partner. It’s also yelling, threatening, name calling, obsessive phone calling or texting, and extreme possessiveness
• Nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a single year, according to loveisrespect.org
• Approximately 50% of students who experience dating violence say some of the abuse took place on school grounds, according to the National Research Center for Women and Families

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