Marjaree Mason Center Highlights kNOw MORE Teen Dating Violence Outreach During February

The Marjaree Mason Center (MMC) used February, Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, to spotlight its kNOw MORE® Teen Dating Violence Prevention Program and local outreach aimed at educating students about healthy relationships, warning signs of abuse, and available resources. MMC publicly thanked Kings Canyon Unified School District for investing in prevention and education in four high schools and two middle schools, saying such collaborations “help us reach students early, spark meaningful dialogue, and provide tools that promote respect and healthy connections.”

MMC described kNOw MORE® as a “dynamic forum for teens to learn about relationships,” delivered by the center’s Prevention and Education Team to middle and high school students across participating campuses in Kings Canyon Unified. Program materials cited by MMC include activities, videos, real-life stories, and “hard-hitting statistics on the long-term effects of abuse,” and MMC said the curriculum uses “focus-led discussions that center on healthy relationships and dating violence awareness.”

The organization framed the work as both educational and empowering. MMC emphasized the program’s primary goal to “increase students' knowledge of healthy and unhealthy relationships and encourage them to become leaders on their campuses,” and said staff “inspire creativity by asking students to think outside the box and developing activities that engage their peers in learning about respectful relationships and warning signs of abuse.” MMC also stated, “Through the kNOw MORE® Teen Dating Violence Prevention Program, we’re working together to increase awareness, encourage positive relationship skills, and support youth throughout the district.”

MMC’s February posts included a national-scale statistic to underline urgency: “Nearly 14% of high school students across the country experience physical or sexual harm from a dating partner each year. Behind that number are real young people who deserve to feel safe, valued, and supported.” The center paired that message with a campus-safety framing, stating that “creating a culture of trust and support on school campuses is vital in preventing teen dating violence” and that kNOw MORE “fosters this culture by building a safe space for students to share their experiences, ask questions, and receive guidance in navigating their relationships.”

For students and families seeking help, MMC reiterated its 24/7 confidential helpline and administrative contacts. The center listed the helpline as (559) 233-HELP and 559.233.4357, and provided email help@mmcenter.org alongside the administrative Prevention and Education line at (559) 237-4706. MMC reminded the community that “If you or someone you know is experiencing dating or domestic violence, help is available,” and that “Our helpline is 100% confidential, including to teens and anyone who might need help.”

MMC’s social post during February showed modest public engagement on its Facebook page with “All reactions: 2” and “1 share,” and the website encouraged followers to “Stay Informed” by joining the MMC email newsletter and sharing prevention information. The center concluded its outreach copy with a community appeal: “Creating a community free of domestic violence requires continual information sharing and dialogue. Stay connected with us through the information resources on this page and - please - share what you learn.”