Content warning: This article mentions domestic violence.
Iowa State student Eden Montang was killed by her ex-boyfriend June 2, 2022, in the parking lot of Cornerstone Church in Ames. Montang’s friends will share their perspectives Monday on the story as part of a dating violence awareness night.
The event, hosted by Iowa State’s Advocating For My Relationships (ADMYRE) program, will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday in the Memorial Union’s Great Hall. The ADMYRE program, a part of Parenting: It’s a Life (PIAL), is a multi-component life skills program designed to introduce middle and high school youth and emerging adults to the emotional, social and financial realities of parenting and provide resources to them before they reach parenthood, as stated on Iowa State’s website.
The program teaches young adults from seventh to ninth grade about topics such as healthy relationships and equips them with emotional, social and financial skills.
Monday’s event will feature an interactive simulation, identify resources for students and host conversations about healthy relationships. Following the program, Montang’s friends, Hannah Beth and Hallie, will share their perspectives on the situation and speak about the warning signs associated with dating violence.
Hannah Uhrich, a program specialist for the human development and family studies department, became involved in ADMYRE as an undergraduate outreach facilitator for PIAL. After graduating, Uhrich began serving as the organization’s full-time project coordinator.
“I think it’s essential because dating violence is very prevalent in emerging adults,” Uhrich said. “I also think it’s important to bring it to Iowa State specifically because we can share those local resources that are available to students and just so they know that if they are experiencing it or they know someone who is experiencing dating violence, they aren’t alone in navigating those situations.”
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and show support to anyone who might be experiencing violence, both physical and emotional. According to wtnh.com, one in three teens—boys and girls—will experience physical, sexual or emotional abuse from someone they are in a relationship with.
More information on Monday’s event can be found on the Lectures website. Those interested in becoming involved in Iowa State’s ADMYRE program can reach out to [email protected].
If you or someone you know may be experiencing dating violence, reach out to the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline at +1 (866) 331-9474 or visit loveisrespect.org.
