November 9, 2010
This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
I think most single people would agree the dating game is no picnic. Finding the right one is more complicated than you’d think. And the kicker is that it can also be dangerous, for teens and adults.
Statistics show that one in three teens will be in an unhealthy relationship. That’s just frightening! And I have to wonder — how many of them will realize what’s happening? And more importantly, will they know where to turn for help?
Monique Betty has “been there, done that.” And now she’s working to help other teens avoid being in the same dangerous situation. With her younger sister, Shantyl, Monique formed Equality Respect two years ago to raise awareness of this important subject.
She not only survived a terrible dating ordeal, but has become a spokesperson to help other teens avoid making the same mistake she did. Through appearances on everything from Good Morning America to Oprah, Monique has become known as an advocate against teen dating violence.
Not long ago a jewelry company approached her with the idea of creating a piece of jewelry that represented their cause. Shantyl and Monique came up with five possible designs then narrowed it to the one they felt was most fitting.
Equality Respect offers a necklace that is a circle and heart linked with “equality” and “respect” printed on it. It represents the need for both partners in a relationship to be distinct and separate individuals. Both must see each other as equals and have respect for one another.
The necklace is offered on the Betty sisters’ website, equalityrespect.org, and in a few local jewelry stores in Pocatello. Monique hopes to see its presence increase throughout the state as more people become aware of what she’s trying to accomplish. Proceeds from sales of the necklace are going to the National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline.
Dating violence is a subject many find hard to talk about, but Monique says awareness is the way to fight it. Equality Respect is providing just the way for her to do so.
For Zions Bank, I’m Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.