Virginia Sheriff’s Office Helps Youths Refuse to Be a Victim at National Night Out

Taking place the first Tuesday in August around the country, National Night Out is a national campaign that promotes police-community partnerships to make neighborhoods safer. The event brings law enforcement and community members together in a positive environment to develop a sense of community. Each year, National Night Out is a fun time for all with neighborhoods hosting cookouts, contests for kids, safety demonstrations, and information about local services.

This year, Refuse To Be A Victim staff was able to attend NNO in Bealeton, Virginia, working with the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office. The RTBAV program has been well-received in the community since certifying officers last year at a regional training. At the event, staff spoke with several parents who are interested in having their child attend the Collegiate Edition of the program. Topics of the college edition include sexual assault, cyberbullying, safety on social media, and more.

The Collegiate Edition, which was launched last year, has been taught in two of the three Fauquier County high schools to seniors as they prepare for college and enter young adult life. Based off the award-winning RTBAV crime prevention program, the collegiate edition takes the same tips and techniques taught in RTBAV onto college campuses. The program aims to teach methods to improve personal safety by increasing awareness, avoiding dangerous situations, and preventing criminal confrontations. The college seminar also covers social media, living on campus, student life, and more!.

Shelly Wright of the Sheriff’s Office has spearheaded hosting RTBAV seminars throughout the county.

"The college program has been very effective for graduating seniors in our high schools. Administration, parents, and students all feel that this is a “need to know” course," Wright said. "If it prevents one young person from becoming a victim, it is worth every second presenting. Empowering our youth is an invaluable tool they can use now, and throughout the rest of their lives."

Due to overwhelmingly positive feedback, the Sheriff’s Office plans to continue working with the high schools to deliver the life-saving message. 

NRA’s Refuse To Be A Victim® program teaches the tips and techniques you need to be alerted to dangerous situations and to avoid becoming a victim. Seminars are held across the nation and are open to men and women of all ages. Today, hundreds of federal, state and local law enforcement officials from across the nation utilize this popular program in their crime prevention and community policing initiatives.

Corporations, educational institutions and community centers have also adopted the program. All told, more than 100,000 people have benefited from these seminars. To find a Refuse To Be A Victim seminar near you, visit rtbav.nra.org or contact [email protected].