GEORGETOWN, SC (WBTW) – Optimism Preventative Services, a non-profit based out of Georegtown held a workshop teaching students about violence in teen dating, among other serious topics.

The organization’s goal is to change the lives of young children through education and prevention programs.

On the Saturday before Valentine’s Day, around 100 students spent the day learning about the signs of an abusive relationship, a problem they say is more common than one would think.

“Violence is serious, it is happening, it’s no joke; it is no game,” Denise Chatman, Founder and Executive Director of Optimism Preventative Services said.

Chatman says it is important to inform the youth about violence in teen dating.

“If they’re aware of their surroundings, if they know the signs, if they know how to act, if they know how to prepare themselves, if anything should happen, they may just know how to save their lives and other lives around them,” Chatman said.

The workshop also explored topics like bullying and building self-esteem. Members say all of the issues are related, and it is important to encourage children to talk about each one.

“When they feel like they can’t talk to anybody, it results in a bad thing (like) suicide. I lost a friend to suicide, so I know how it feels to be in that predicament; to lose somebody close to you,” Monaye Smith, a member of the group and a student at Georgetown High School said.

Smith has been involved in Optimism Preventative Services for years because it gives children a place to talk about problems they may face in their daily lives.

“People feel like they can’t go to adults about their situations, but we feel like we can be that medium in between to put their voices out there to be heard,” Smith said.

“There’s many other kids out there going through the same situation, so if we let our voices be heard, we can probably touch another child and let their voices be heard also,” Zaria Baker, a member and student at Georgetown High School said.

To learn about the other events hosted by Optimism Preventative Services, click here.