Men's Basketball Stands Up for Domestic Violence Prevention

Courtesy of REACH Beyond Domestic Violence:

Earlier this month as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, REACH's Director of Prevention Programs, Jessica Teperow, teamed up with Lasell College Professor Karin Raye to lead a training and discussion for the school's men's basketball team on domestic violence prevention. Jessica and Professor Raye facilitated the Escalation workshop, created by the One Love Foundation. The workshop consists of watching a powerful 40-minute film that portrays the evolution of a college dating relationship from its happy beginning to a tragic end, and also gives the viewer insight about the feelings of the friends who witness the relationship. The film is followed by a 50-minute discussion in small groups where the team was able to process their responses and identify specific factors that can escalate a relationship from healthy to unhealthy. "This was not a program mandated by the college, but rather one they chose to embrace and take on by themselves," shared Professor Raye.

Players Lamont Gooden, Yordan Villalon, and Armin Omanovic have participated in Professor Raye's classes on sexual and domestic violence, and advocated to have a training on these issues for their team. Coach Aaron Galletta shared with us, "After participating in the domestic violence training I believe every student-athlete and coach on campus should have this experience.  Domestic violence is a hard topic to openly discuss but Professor Raye and Jessica Teperow did a tremendous job facilitating the program and had everyone engaged in the conversation.  I believe it's difficult for men to speak out on domestic violence and sexual assault, however they are a key ingredient to changing the culture that has developed in society.  I feel my players and coaching staff greatly benefited from this program and I'm confident we can make a difference not only on campus but in the greater community as well.  I am proud of my players who helped organize this event and brought our team together for an informative and educational evening that will have lasting effects for all of us."

We are excited to partner with the Lasell Men's Basketball team and cannot wait to see their leadership on this issue on their campus and on the court!