ROCKLAND — Each year, New Hope for Women partners with Deana's Educational Theater in an effort to bring live, theatrical productions to students at least once during their elementary years, during middle school, and again in high school.

Students in Lincoln and Sagadahoc County high schools were treated to theatrical productions related to healthy teen relationships last week, courtesy of New Hope for Women.

On March 11, all freshmen at Morse High School in Bath attended a private performance of The Yellow Dress, a one-woman play based on the stories of young women victims of dating violence. The play and follow-up discussion, presented as part of Freshman Awareness days, helped students and adults learn to recognize the early warning signs of abuse, understand the cycle of abuse, determine how to help a friend experiencing abuse, and learn how to access support services.

On March 12, New Hope for Women hosted three productions of Think Twice, a two-person play that explores the daily choices made by students online and in face-to-face interactions. Performances were held at Lincoln Academy, Boothbay Regional High School, and Wiscasset High School.

The play and follow-up discussion assisted students and adults in learning to recognize and respond to cyberbullying. They developed an understanding of the lasting implications of what is posted online, learned about the important role of bystanders, and identified the consequences of sending explicit material on computers and mobile devices. Lastly, audience members discussed the legal consequences of cyberbullying for the instigator, bystanders, and victim, and discovered how to seek help.

Deana's Educational Theater of Massachusetts was formed in 1995 by the friends and family of Deana Brisbois, a victim of dating violence. New Hope for Women has been collaborating with the theater company since 1998.

New Hope for Women offers support to people in Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox and Waldo counties affected by domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. It also provides important educational resources to assist our communities in creating a safer and healthier future. Learn more at www.newhopeforwomen.org or call 800-522-3304.