Faith leaders and teachers play a critical role in educating youth on the dynamics of unhealthy and healthy relationships. Hear from Jessica Barnard, prevention educator, who will discuss her work with the Archdiocese of Chicago’s pilot project with the CDC to prevent unhealthy relationships.

Also, learn about how The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) supports programming to engage youth and prevent dating violence across the country as well as the need for VAWA’s reauthorization. At the end of this meeting, you will be given the opportunity to call your United States Senators to gain their support for its passage.

There is no charge for this offering.

Speaker

Jessica Bernard (Caccavallo), LCSW

Jessica Bernard is a trauma-informed Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Prevention Educator, and Dating Matters Coach ®.

As an expert in Sexual and Intimate Partner violence, she has delivered hundreds of classroom presentations to young people in the Chicago suburbs since 2015 while working at a local Rape Crisis Agency and the Archdiocese of Chicago Domestic Violence Outreach. Jessica is skilled at connecting with young people and helping them stay engaged, curious, and safe through these tough and uncomfortable topics. She has also trained and provided ongoing support to school staff and community members on how to effectively and appropriately implement Dating Matters and other violence prevention programming efforts. In addition to working directly with people in schools and local community agencies, Jessica owns her own Private Practice and provides individual and group therapy to folks seeking healing, emotional regulation, skill-building, and space to reclaim their lives and feel empowered.