Male Student Athletes at Golden Valley High School encouraged to stand up to domestic violence at presentation.

The Domestic Violence Center of Santa Clarita Valley addressed over 300 male athletes at Golden Valley High School on domestic violence issues, and how they can stand up to help end a current culture of violence against women, aiming the message at athletes.

The goal for these presentation is to “educate our young men, coaching them into healthy responsible young adults that will raise awareness and stand up to be leaders,” said Alexandra Garcia, youth outreach specialist at DVC.

With football season well under way and October just around the corner the DVC wants to use this time to highlight both the importance of ending violence against women and the roles that male athletes have in that, as well as Domestic Violence Awareness month which takes place during October.

Male athletes were chosen because of the spate of high-profile cases involving athletes that have been in the news recently, as well as the fact that many athletes have a social status allowing them to be role models and influencers for their peers, DVC officials said.

“Males have a huge impact on standing up and raising awareness,” said Garcia.

Brenda Yanez, youth prevention specialist with the DVC, presented the students with videos and statistics to help outline just how the teens could build healthy respectful relationships and understand the massive impact that can have in ending domestic violence.

“Starting at a younger age has a greater impact on our community,” Yanez said. “The younger they learn it,the quicker they can learn new skills.”

The DVC is hoping to continue the program and reach every male student athlete in the Hart School District encouraging them to use their status to be role models to their fellow students.

For more information and a complete list of resources visit the DVC website or call (661) 259-HELP(4357)