Empowering Teens for a Safer Future: “In Their Shoes”
- Milly Perez-Crespo
- Apr 28
- 3 min read
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, the GFWC Miami Springs Woman’s Club, in partnership with the Miami Springs Police Department, proudly hosted our first-ever In Their Shoes: Teens and Dating Violence program. As we prepare to celebrate our 85th anniversary next month, programs like these reflect our unwavering commitment to education, empowerment, and strengthening the Miami Springs community.
The event welcomed local teens, parents, members of the Woman’s Club, and representatives from the Miami Springs Police Department, including Lieutenant Albert Vargas and Officer Denise Garcia.
Both officers warmly greeted attendees and spoke from the heart, emphasizing that no one should ever feel alone when facing difficult or unsafe situations. They offered real-world information about dating violence. They explained that dating violence isn't just physical, it can also include psychological or emotional abuse, sexual abuse, harassment, and stalking. They touched upon the role of social media in unhealthy relationships, cautioning teens about the dangers of sharing personal information, intimate photos, or passwords with dating partners. Teens were reminded that anything shared electronically can be misused or turned against them, even by someone they trust. The officers generously provided everyone with important resources and their personal contact numbers, reassuring teens and families that support is always just a call away.
This important program was brought to the Club by our member Yanira Ross de La Torre, CBHCM-S, LMHC, who is a local Mental Health Counselor. She introduced both In Their Shoes: Teens and Dating Violence and In Her Shoes: Domestic Violence programs to our members & community. We are grateful for her vision in making these vital conversations accessible to our community.
About the Program
In Their Shoes: Teens and Dating Violence is an engaging, interactive way to discuss dating violence and healthy relationships with young people. Participants step into the lives of one of six characters, each based on the experiences of real teens, and navigate a variety of serious situations.
As they move through the scenarios, students make choices about their character’s relationships, reading about interactions with their dating partner, family, friends, school counselors, police, and others. This dynamic activity allows teens to experience firsthand the emotional complexity and real-world consequences that can arise in abusive or unhealthy relationships.
Following the exercise, an open and meaningful discussion gave teens and parents the opportunity to reflect on the warning signs of abuse, how to set personal boundaries, and ways to support peers who might be experiencing dating violence.
Why Programs Like This Are So Important
Teen dating violence is a serious and often hidden issue:
About 1 in 10 students (9.7%) reported experiencing sexual dating violence in the past year.
Only 33% of teens who are victims of dating violence ever tell anyone about the abuse.
Early intervention can make all the difference in building strong, healthy relationships in adulthood.
With Prom season approaching — a time filled with new dating experiences and heightened social activity — this program was especially timely. It gave young people the tools they need to identify unhealthy patterns early, advocate for themselves, and seek help if needed.
Looking Ahead
We are proud to have hosted this meaningful event and deeply grateful to everyone who made it possible — our MSWC members, our dedicated volunteers, the outstanding officers from the Miami Springs Police Department, and most importantly, the teens and families who took part.
As the GFWC Miami Springs Woman’s Club celebrates 85 years of service, we reaffirm our commitment to creating spaces where education, empowerment, and community connection thrive.
Thank you for joining us on this journey — and for making a difference in the lives of the next generation!
Resources for Teen Dating Violence
Miami Springs Police Department: (305) 888-5286
Curriculum Resources for Teachers
Hotlines
National Teen Dating Abuse HotlinePhone: 1-866-331-9474
National Domestic Violence Hotline1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Florida Abuse HotlinePhone: 1-800-962-2873Phone: 1-800-453-5145 (TDD)
Florida Domestic Violence HotlinePhone: 1-800-500-1119TTY Hotline: 1-800-621-4202Non-emergency Legal Hotline: 1-800-500-1119 prompt 3
Prevention & Programs
Florida Department of HealthSexual Violence Prevention Program 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #A-13 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1723. Phone: 850-245-4455 (for education and campaign resources)
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