HOPE! Drama Troupe

About HOPE! Drama Troupe

WHO: HOPE! Drama Troupe is a group of approximately 20 8th-12th grade youths whose mission is to end child abuse and neglect and strengthen families in Polk County. Each year, HOPE! Drama Troupe members use an original script to educate area youth about child abuse and the impact it has on children and families.

WHAT: The HOPE! Drama Troupe’s 25-minute performance defines the types of abuse, demonstrates the consequences of abuse, and identifies how to get help. The troupe tackles tough issues that are difficult for youth to talk about and portrays ways to discuss problems and seek assistance. The intended audience for these performances in grades 7-9. The troupe can perform for groups of various sizes from an individual class to an entire grade level or more.

Since it began in 1993, HOPE! Drama Troupe has always been well respected in local schools for its ability to communicate with teens about physical abuse, neglect, drug and alcohol abuse, date rape, teen pregnancy, and the many other problems associated with child abuse.

WHY: There is a documented link between childhood abuse and long-term health effects, including visual, learning and hearing deficits, increased illness, emotional disturbances, delayed language development, low self-esteem, and aggressive tendencies. According to Prevent Child Abuse America, the most costly long-term effects are those associated with responding to adults who, because of earlier abuse, are involved in criminal activity. Their report puts those costs at over $5 billion annually in the United States.

Polk County statistics show that child abuse is just as prevalent in Polk County as in other parts of the country. Educating young people about the consequences of child abuse and advising young victims to seek help is vital to the prevention of child abuse as well as important for early intervention for juvenile delinquency.