All About In Their Shoes
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Group Session
In Their Shoes is two-hour a group event for ages 14+.
It is recommended for teens, parents, youth mentors, and anyone who works with youth or is interested in violence prevention.​
Interactive Activity
Participants are split into pairs or small groups. They receive a "character" card to learn about the teen whose story they will be walking in and are given prompts to make decisions for their character as they navigate their relationships along with their friendships, schoolwork, family dynamics, and more.
Discuss
The simulation concludes in a facilitated debrief where participants discuss what they thought, the behaviors they picked up on, and what they learned.
Program Details
Who this program is for
Youth 14 and up and their parents, or any interested adults and youth.
Format
Simulation + Group Discussion
Duration
2 hours
Cost
Free for individuals, fee structure available for organizations and businesses
Program Description
This experience-based program is for individuals 14+ to learn a new perspective and increase empathy and understanding of what dating is like in today's world.
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Through interactive scenarios, where participants navigate relationship choices and engage with dating partners, family, friends, counselors, police, and more. The interactive group presentation will conclude with a group discussion to help participants better process what they learned, ask questions, and learn how to access community resources focused on intimate partner violence prevention and intervention.
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Group sessions are available with a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 40 participants. For more information on hosting a group session, please compete the interest form below or contact brighton@bemorelikeclaire.org
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This program was developed by the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
In Their Shoes:
Meet the Characters
Elena
Elena moved to the U.S. with her family a few years ago and starts dating someone who seems smart and easy to be around. At first, the relationship feels exciting—but small moments of disrespect and crossed boundaries begin to add up.
As things intensify, technology becomes part of the problem, and Elena is left facing consequences she never expected. Her story explores how unhealthy dynamics can grow quietly and why the warning signs aren’t always obvious at first.
Ashley
Ashley comes from a close-knit, faith-based family and begins dating someone who makes their relationship feel intense and all-consuming. As the relationship deepens, boundaries are crossed and control replaces care. Decisions about her body, her future, and her independence are taken out of her hands, leaving Ashley facing life-altering choices and an uncertain path forward.
Derek
Derek is navigating school, work, and big goals for his future while dating someone who seems to have it all. Beneath the surface, the relationship brings pressure, mixed messages, and expectations that begin to take a toll. Outside influences and unspoken power dynamics make it harder for Derek to trust his instincts and step away. His story explores how unhealthy relationships can hide in plain sight—and how possessiveness and control don’t always look the way we expect.
Samantha
Samantha is nearly 15 and in the closet when she begins a relationship that offers belonging and a sense of being truly seen. What starts as connection slowly brings distance—from her family, from stability, and from herself. As jealousy, pressure, and substance use enter the picture, Samantha is pulled between wanting acceptance and needing safety, leaving her future unclear and unresolved.
Kyoko
Kyoko is a young artist living at home and finding joy in a supportive relationship. When someone from her past reenters her life with expectations she doesn’t share, tension begins to build. Family ties, unspoken assumptions, and prejudice complicate the situation as boundaries are tested and control begins to surface—leaving the path forward uncertain.
Cara
Cara is on the brink of a new chapter—surrounded by friends and excited about what comes after high school. When she tries to move forward and end a relationship, her decision isn’t respected. What unfolds reveals how quickly things can escalate after a breakup, how warning signs can be missed, and how safety isn’t always guaranteed.
Contact us to learn more about scheduling your own In Their Shoes event
Claire’s Community is excited to partner with you in offering an In Their Shoes simulation for your group. Please tell us a bit about your group. We’ll be back in touch with you soon to talk about next steps.