PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT

Phillip M. Taylor, PMTSD, 843-542-2740
Todd Post, NCPC, 202-261-4138

By DALE LINDER-ALTMAN
Staff Writer

The Phillip M. Taylor School of Discipline will be holding a youth summit in May to increase awareness of teen victimization and to encourage the public’s response to it, according to President Phillip Taylor.
The summit is part of series of projects made possible by funding through the national Youth Outreach for victim Assistance (YOVA), said Taylor. The school is one of only 20 sites nationwide to be selected by the National Crime Prevention Council and the National Center for Victims of Crimes to receive the grant, which is to be used to develop a campaign against teen victimization, according to Taylor.
This is an area of serious concern that needs to be addressed in the community because teens are the most victimized segment of society, he said. Yet many of teenagers don’t even know where to turn for help, and often their victimization is never reported.
Julie Whitman of the National Center for Victims of Crime will be speaking at the summit and serving as moderator of a discussion panel, according to Taylor. Willie Davis of Safe and Drug Free Schools, Leroy Womble from Lowcountry Community Action Agency, Ben Langdale, youth pastor of Living Word as a member of the faith community, Rolets Buckner as a parent and a student to be selected will make up the panel, he said.
“They will consider a series of questions on how the community can increase its response to victims,” said Taylor. “Ultimately, this will make our community safer.”
The local YOVA group is also working to develop and implement a youth-led program to increase awareness of teen victimization issues, according to Taylor. Colleton County High global studies teacher Michelle Fentress is helping Taylor as one of the main contacts for the high school.
The group using things like skits, brochures, public service announcements and a web site, he said. The youth are actually doing these things themselves with a little guidance.
They’re also doing public service announcements on the WALLY radio station, according to Taylor.
“We’re doing a series in partnership with Clemson Extension, who is letting us use their time.”
It really works well for youth, who have been victimized themselves, to reach out to others, said Taylor. Whether the victimization is physical, verbal, sexual abuse, or peer pressure — whatever it is, it’s usually easier for victims to respond to others who have been in their shoes.
What the Colleton YOVA wants to say to local youth is, “Help is on the way,” said Taylor. Anyone who needs help, or wants to become involved with YOVA can call Taylor at 542-2740 or 217-2025.