Members of the Lake Highlands Chapter of Genesis STAR – Students Tackling Abusive Relationships – met in April. Counselors from Genesis Women’s Shelter, Kim Silvera and Courtney Butts, spoke to the girls about avoiding violence in dating relationships. “Statistics say that one girl in three will experience abuse at the hands of a date or a boyfriend,” explained Kim, “so this is something you girls need to become educated about.”

“Abuse can be physical, verbal, and emotional,” added Courtney, “including constant insults, isolation from family and friends, and controlling what you wear. Remember, it is never excusable to hit or be hit in a dating relationship.”

“This is my second year to hear the talk from the women at Genesis, and they do a good job,” recalled Danielle Dutcher, a senior at Lake Highlands High who will attend Texas Tech University. “These are good things to keep in mind as we head off to college.”

“I’ve heard the talk twice also,” added Katie Kosarek, who will attend Texas A&M, “but I learn something new each time.”

“The Lake Highlands chapter of STAR is one of our biggest and most active chapters,” reported Kim. “In the fall, they provided gift cards for families who escaped abuse to stay at the shelter. Victims used the cards to purchase diapers, medicine, school supplies, and food.”

“This time, we decided to collect something which would bring a smile to the faces of kids at the shelter,” said sophomore Elly Collett who spearheaded a flip-flop collection drive. “We think the kids will enjoy receiving colorful new flip-flops, and our members enjoyed bringing them.”

Kim and Courtney distributed flyers to the girls to give to friends and neighbors. “Dating violence can happen to anyone,” stressed STAR president Jenna Zorn, “even girls from strong families in great neighborhoods. We have to spread the word that using intimidation or violence with a date or a girlfriend is never okay.”

More information is available at www.genesisshelter.org.