REMEMBER MY NAME
A SafeArt offering for Grades 6 and up

A reading of letters, articles, poems and songs about survivors and victims of

teen dating violence
domestic violence
sexual assault

Performed by members of the Parish Players
Conceived & coordinated by Tracy Penfield

Dating violence, domestic violence and sexual assault are perpetrated as intimidation, battering, berating, harassment, rape, incest and more. These do not only happen to "other" people. During our rehearsals, we discovered that each of the women in this group is a survivor of some form of abuse or assault. Men and children also suffer abuse. None of these stories are fictitious. Most of the material and the title came from a 1995 publication by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

REMEMBER MY NAME has a cast of one man and one or more women. We do not want to present this as a woman's issue, rather as a societal problem. By performing these true stories, we demonstrate how the "cycle of abuse" may begin, and not be broken, unless the victim has the courage to release her/himself from the relationship. Recognizing the earliest signs of an abusive relationship may alert one to avoid getting involved in the first place. Case histories show how difficult it is to leave an established abusive relationship, regardless of age or gender.

This program is offered in the spirit of consciousness raising. As one survivor states, "Awareness is our salvation." Educating young people to patterns of abusive behavior can help them not only to avoid becoming a victim, but help a friend or family member who is victimized. Potentially abusive people may recognize these patterns in themselves. REMEMBER MY NAME addresses many areas of the Vermont Framework of Standards, especially the Personal Development strands.

Program length is 60-90 minutes, including a post-performance discussion with the performers. This may be flexed to fit your schedule. Small group workshops may be scheduled, as well.

To discuss bringing this SafeArt program to your school or organization, please contact Tracy Penfield at 802-685-3138

"Whenever you hear of something violent that has happened to someone, always remember their name, for who they are, not only for what has happened to them. Many people have stories that are not shared, are built up inside them, and they need to be able to talk to someone. I was deeply moved listening, and feeling the pain of those whom had no one to talk to and in some cases it was too late to help…so always
Remember My Name."
A High School Senior who attended a reading of these stories