Our Purpose
Teen violence isn’t just something you hear about—it’s real, and it affects countless students every day. I know because I lived through it. I was a victim of a violent attack by multiple other teens, and it changed my life forever. The physical wounds healed, but the emotional and psychological impact stayed with me, shaping the way I saw the world and the people around me. I realized how quickly a single moment of violence can destroy a sense of security, alter relationships, and leave lasting scars—ones that aren’t always visible. But instead of letting that experience define me, I decided to do something about it. In order to make a change and prevent teen attacks, I have developed a focus on teaching kids both how to avoid violence and what to do if placed in, or around, the situation I was. My goal is not just to educate but to empower—giving teens the knowledge and confidence to protect themselves and stand up against a culture that allows violence to continue. No one should feel unsafe at school, and no one should have to carry the weight of trauma caused by another person’s actions.
High school should be a place of growth and opportunity, not fear and danger. But the truth is, fights, bullying, and peer pressure can lead to serious, life-changing consequences—physically, emotionally, and even legally. Too many teens don’t realize how one bad decision, one act of anger, or one moment of pressure can follow them for years. What seems like a split-second choice can turn into a lifetime of regret, pain, or even a criminal record. That’s why it’s important to talk about this early, before students are put in situations where they might feel pressured to make the wrong choice. The more we open up these conversations, the more we can change the way teens think about violence—not as an unavoidable part of high school, but as something that can and should be prevented.
By speaking to younger students, especially 8th graders before they enter high school, we can help them recognize the warning signs of violence, understand how to de-escalate conflict, and make choices that lead to a safer, more positive future. This isn’t just about avoiding fights—it’s about creating a culture of respect, looking out for each other, and making sure no one else has to go through what I did. It’s about teaching teens that strength isn’t found in violence, but in self-control, kindness, and the courage to stand up for what’s right. Every student deserves to walk into school without fear, and together, we can create an environment where safety, respect, and empathy are the norm. Change starts with awareness, but it becomes real when we take action—and that starts now.
Reach Out To Us
At voicesfornonviolence, It is our mission to spread awareness, which we can only do through you. We love when you reach out to us concerning speaking events and other opportunities to teach. Not only that, reach out to us with questions and inquires in order to learn. Thanks!