Start Strong

Start Strong: Building Healthy Teen Relationships is a national program aimed at preventing relationship violence and abuse among young people by promoting healthy relationship behaviors. The Start Strong model encompasses four core strategies: education, community engagement, policy change, and communications and social marketing. The initiative has allocated funds for program sites in Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Bridgeport, Bronx, Idaho, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Oakland, Rhode Island, and Wichita from 2008 to 2012. Start Strong collaborates with partner organizations in each community to tailor the program to local needs.

Start Strong targets 11- to 14-year old youth, but also engages "teen influencers," including older teens, parents/caregivers, teachers, counselors, coaches, and other mentors. The program is sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the Blue Shield of California. RWJF is funding 10 sites around the U.S., while the Blue Shield of California Foundation is funding one site in California.

To create and evaluate new ways to prevent teen dating violence and abuse.

Since the launch of the Start Strong program in 2008, it has reached approximately 20,000 middle school and high school students, teachers, and parents. All local programs are using social media to educate and engage a wider teen audience.