Rihanna abuse inspires local videos about teen dating violence

By Globe Staff

The six public service videos tell the story of teen dating violence by those know it best: high school students. Each running less than one minute, the films underscore a larger point with provocative titles such as "Just Because He Doesn’t Hit You" and "A Cry for Help."

The videos, which can all be viewed here, have been selected as finalists in a project initiated by the Middlesex District Attorney’s office designed to raise awareness about teen dating violence. The winner will be selected by 800 high school students in Middlesex County, where the videos will be viewed in health and physical education classes.

The initiative was inspired by the startling results of an informal March survey by the Boston Public Health Commission. Nearly half of the 200 Boston teenagers interviewed for the survey said pop star Rihanna was responsible for the beating she allegedly took at the hands of her boyfriend, fellow music star Chris Brown, in February.

In Middlesex County, officials launched the video contest to spark a positive dialogue and encourage teens to speak out against teen dating violence. More than 200 students responded, working in teams to produce 35 entries. Six finalists were selected by a panel of school personnel, domestic violence experts, and members of the district attorney’s office.

Middlesex District Attorney Gerald T. Leone Jr. will address 300 Malden High School seniors on Thursday and view the six videos. The winning video will be professionally edited by Conover Tuttle Pace, a Boston Advertising and Public Relations Firm, and submitted to Boston television stations.

To watch the videos, click here.