WIESBADEN, Germany - Respect.
That seven-letter word appeared everywhere at the Tony Bass Fitness Center Feb. 28 as more than 220 supporters attended the "Wiesbaden Walks the Runway Against Teen Dating Violence" fashion show.
"Teen dating violence is a problem here," said Kari Ross, Army Community Service victim advocate and event coordinator.
Ross regularly visits with students at Wiesbaden High School where students in her briefings all attest to having witnessed some form of dating violence.
"We want the teens of Wiesbaden to know that there are people out there who care, and we are listening," she said. "But we can't help if we don't know."
Organizers said the event aimed to highlight Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in February.
"I wanted to show everyone that it does not matter what someone looks like, or how he or she is dressed," Ross said. "Respect each other, and respect yourself."
The event also showcased Military Saves Week through affordable wardrobe options for every occasion.
The Army and Air Force Exchange Service?'s Wiesbaden Main Store loaned nearly $3,000 in shoes, clothing and accessories in support of the event, said Rick Finley, sales and merchandise manager.
"It's the Army and Air Force's goal to be a part of the community," he said. "Supporting the youth of the community for the special event is just one example of how we strive to meet that goal."
Ross teamed up with Maj. Gen. Richard Longo, deputy commander of U.S. Army Europe, to narrate the event during the 60-minute fashion show.
Tracy Schreurs, production manager, and Kim Saucedo, decoration designer, dedicated more than 200 volunteer hours to assist in the planning, organizing and executing of Ross' vision for the event.
As an Army spouse and mother to two teenage boys, Schreurs regularly speaks with her sons about respect and dating.
"I think teenagers need to be aware of respecting themselves and their date," Schreurs said.
Chonda Jones, an Army spouse and mother of teenage girls, encourages her daughters to openly communicate in, and about, their relationships.
"If healthy communication is there, your relationship will fall into place," Jones said.
Ross also advises parents to, ?"Talk with them -- not at them, and listen. Be aware and non-judgmental."
In addition to healthy communication, teen model Tayah Williams, shared that teens should resolve to stand firm in the face of peer pressure.
"You can still be cute, you can still rock your clothes without showing a lot of skin," the high school freshman said. "Just be you, and don't let anyone influence you."
Boys and girls alike can be a victim of dating violence, which high school senior Cameron Miller said he believes can be solved by simply avoiding isolation.
"One way is to have friends around you," he shared. "That is probably the time that abuse does happen -- when the couple is alone."
Immediately following the fashion show, teens were invited to attend the after party, which featured a live DJ, door prizes and swag bags tailored specifically to teen boys and girls.
ACS is hosting a "Scream Free Parenting" seminar April 16 from 6-10 p.m. at the Wiesbaden Entertainment Center with free child care, seminar and bowling.
To celebrate the Month of the Military Child and Child Abuse Awareness Month, ACS will also host a Kinderfest with a community egg hunt April 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wiesbaden Entertainment Center.
To sign up for upcoming ACS events or for more information on ACS services, call mil 335-5254 or civ (0611) 408-0254.
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