On August 12th, Start Strong Idaho teen Laura Hampikian presented at the plenary luncheon of the 2011 National Foundation for Women Legislators’ Annual Conference (NFWL) in Des Moines, Iowa. The NFWL is a non-partisan, educational foundation. Its membership consists of members of the National Order of Women Legislators (all current and former women elected officials) corporate leadership and association members. Their policy committee has partnered with numerous parent and student organizations that work to educate communities about this serious public health problem.

The luncheon, themed, “The Power of Partnerships: Taking a Stand Against Teen Dating Abuse,” was attended by elected women leaders from all levels of government. Jointly sponsored by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Liz Claiborne Inc. and the Verizon Foundation, the event shed light on the critical importance of public-private partnerships in addressing, and ultimately preventing teen dating abuse.  

In her speech, Laura spoke about the importance of teen involvement in the fight against dating violence and how, through Start Strong, teens are able to work together to find creative new ways of addressing relationship abuse. Incorporating digital, social and traditional mediums these teen leaders are able promote healthy relationship behaviors and raise awareness for violence prevention throughout the country. Laura also shared her own inspiring story of facing and overcoming the struggles of an abusive relationship. Laura knows all too well that the warning signs of abuse are not always easy to recognize. In her case, the abuse was emotional and appeared through her ex-boyfriend’s systematic manipulation and control.

Other speakers at the event included Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Program Officer, Kristin Schubert, MPH, the Director of the Justice Department's Office on Violence Against Women, Susan Carbon, Arizona Senator Linda Gray and Iowa Senator Swati Dandekar. A recorded opening greeting from Vice President Joe Biden was shared and Congressman and Vice Presidential Candidate Ron Paul also made brief remarks.

For more details on Laura’s compelling story, see an article which appeared on the Daily Beast. For more information on the work of the Start Strong Idaho teens, visit www.startstrongidaho.com.

Start Strong Idaho