Violence isn’t always seen, and it thrives in silence. Everybody knows a victim of sexual assault and dating violence. Yes, that includes you. Even if you don’t realize it, they live among the people you are surrounded by every day. However, topics such as these often get pushed back; it’s not that they’re not a problem, but rather that these topics are looked down upon. While conversations like these are ones that need to be had, the nature of these conversations is usually seen as taboo. Bridging the gap between necessary conversations and what’s viewed as taboo is imperative, and that is why Revolution exists.
Revolution is a group of 50 teen volunteers from Columbus’s three high schools. This year, 19 members are CHS students. Throughout this article, you will see various perspectives of these members, including my own. I also interviewed Revolution’s two coordinators, Taylor Amsler and Andie Venzor. Much of this article could not have been written without others’ words and input because Revolution is a group that goes far deeper than I feel I am capable of illustrating.
Revolution is associated with the Center for Survivors, a domestic violence and sexual assault agency. Venzor explains Revolution’s purpose extremely well. She explains, “Its members are trained to recognize dating violence and sexual assault, advocate for their peers, and refer survivors to get the help they need. In addition to being advocates within their schools, they provide classroom education on healthy relationships and outreach with the intention of connecting community members to Center for Survivors resources. By increasing awareness and access to resources, Revolution plays a key role in creating a safer and more informed community.”
Senior Maggie Shevlin says, “As much as we don’t want things like unhealthy relationships, dating violence, and sexual assault to happen, it is real and happens to the people we know and love. These things are way more common than most students think, so having trustworthy students within the schools is such an important thing, so those who have been affected by such hurtful things can have someone to go to.”
Senior Melissa Gomez Vasquez notes, “Abuse is often hidden or normalized; our peers go through it every day. I want survivors to know that they matter, and there is always someone willing to help.”
During the summer, it’s not hard to find a Rev member in their tie-dye. Common volunteer events during the summer include outreach at community events (such as fairs and parades) and helping at kids’ events (such as Centro Hispano’s Camp Centro). During the school year, however, Revolution’s work goes more behind the scenes. Members are often hard at work learning how to better themselves and working on various outreach/spread-the-awareness projects. Around the school, you may have seen purple posters for Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October) or orange posters for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (February)—those are made by Revolution members!
But here’s the big news (and the reason for this article): Revolution is coming to CHS this week!!!
Revolution’s theater presentation is titled “Act Like It,” and it is the first year they are presenting it. To give you an idea of what to expect, here is a brief synopsis. The presentation centers around one friend group, and three less-than-healthy relationships: Haley and Ryan, Josh and Allie, and Macy and Tyler. Two of these relationships depict dating violence (one where the male is the perpetrator, and one where it’s the female), and the other depicts sexual assault, or—in less glorious terms—rape. Each character carries a unique story and baggage, and this later impacts the way the characters interact with one another. The script provides different perspectives and illustrates many different scenarios in which these situations appear in our community.
My opinion? I love this script! It feels so real, and it is such an accurate portrayal of how sexual assault and dating violence happen in our schools and among the people we know. While the reality of its existence is sad, disgusting, and horrifying, it is 100% real. Rather than brushing it off, we must know how it looks and what to do in these situations. The very unfortunate reality is that it will never end, but if we do our part, we can at least minimize it.
Freshman Cooper Braun notes, “It is important because it shows that dating violence can happen anywhere, and it helps people know what it looks like and how to help. It demonstrates how people help and how people make it worse—intentionally or unintentionally.”
Sophomore Abby Jensen adds, “While the presentation could be viewed as cringy, in reality, these are real-life scenarios.
So, when do you get to see it? On Wednesday, juniors will watch the presentation during their fourth and fifth period classes. Some CHS students to look for are Maggie Shevlin (Allie) and Elena Moseman (Macy). On Thursday, seniors will be watching it during their homeroom and fourth period. Keep an eye out for Israel Kibalya (Ryan), Melissa Gomez Vazquez (Allie), and Abby Jensen (narrator).
Unfortunately, this time, the presentation will not be shown to freshmen or sophomores. However, this does not mean that these issues do not exist for the younger students. After the presentation, it will be important that conversations about this presentation take place. They will, and that is a good thing—the topics covered are important to understand and share with others.
I also have failed to mention one thing up until this point: the presentation is interactive. After the actual “simulation,” the presentation enters a question-and-answer style in character. Audience members will be able to ask the characters different questions about their choices, actions, or thought processes. After this, the presenters will come out of their characters, giving members of the audience the chance to ask questions. Once the presentation concludes, the presenters will stick around and lend an ear to those wanting to chat.
Senior Lilli Jensen notes, “Everyone in Rev is a trusted peer; we are a part of Rev because we want to be able to help those struggling. So, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t be afraid to talk to someone in Revolution. We are always willing to listen.”
Senior Melissa Gomez Vazquez adds, “I hope you’re excited to see me perform! I’m always available to talk after the presentation.”
Freshman Kendyl Larson notes, “The Revolution theater presentation is so much more than just a scripted play. This could be someone’s real-life situation, and the presentation could possibly be life-saving. It’s very important that you take the presentation seriously and apply what you’ve learned to your life.”
Taylor Amsler, volunteer coordinator, makes a great point about the impact of the Revolution theater presentation. She notes, “The conversation doesn’t stop in the schools. Kids talk with other kids, which then sparks conversations in our homes, our workplaces, and our social circles. I think all people—kids and adults alike—truly want to know what is healthy in a relationship, what healthy boundaries look like, and what to do when someone you know experiences trauma. We can’t expect people to know that they have been victimized if we haven’t educated them on what domestic/dating violence and sexual assault are. The Revolution presentation that we provide to schools does a good job of encompassing education and proactive bystander intervention. It depicts two scenarios of dating abuse, as well as the impact of sexual assault in a raw and realistic way that is intended to make the audience feel as though they are truly witnessing violence.”
As is clear, Revolution has a large impact on our community. While the audience can often find ways to resonate with the experience, looking into the actors’ eyes gives a unique perspective. As if this article couldn’t get any longer, I interviewed several CHS Revolution alumni—some of whom participated in Rev’s theater presentation—to ask how Revolution has impacted them.
Conner Braun graduated in the class of 2025 and is now at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln studying criminal justice. He shared, “The stuff I learned in Rev will stick with me my whole life because it gave me many valuable skills that apply to real-world situations. I am thankful for Rev because it really made me open up as a person through all the team-building and fun activities we did. It also taught me a lot of things about dating violence and sexual assault that I did not previously know.” Fun fact: he holds the Revolution record for the most hours served—435 to be exact! He is also one of Rev Theater’s most well-known faces, and he has played both Tyler and Ryan. He reflects, “Both of these parts were meaningful to me because they help portray the different extremities of violence. Tyler is the ‘nice guy’ who is the victim in the abusive relationship, and Ryan is the abuser. These are different characters, but they both highlight characteristics of abusive relationships.”
Tanner Esch (2024) is studying electrical engineering at UNL. He looks back and is incredibly grateful for what Revolution has taught him. He said, “A friend was in a not-great relationship and came to me for help. I would not have been able to give good advice if I didn’t have what I learned in Rev. It taught me some very valuable life lessons. I gained the ability to show compassion in a way I previously couldn’t and the knowledge to act and teach others what I’ve learned.”
Hailey Haynes (2025) is on a pre-nursing track at UNL. She reflects on Revolution’s impact on her friendships. She remarked, “I had to explain to a girl that the guy she started talking to was love bombing her, and that she needed to stay aware of it and notice it going forward. I am thankful for Rev because it taught me how to act in situations that others are too uncomfortable to talk about.”
Fatima Muñoz (2025) is at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. She is just below Braun in terms of volunteer hours, reaching an outstanding 415! In the theater presentation, she played Allie. She reflected, “Playing Allie was initially difficult for me because the acting and discussions were uncomfortable. Despite this initial obstacle, I worked hard to understand the role and convey the raw emotions she was experiencing. I wanted to reach anyone who might relate to Allie and give them the courage to seek help. I believe this experience not only educated others but also offered victims the reassurance that they were not alone and that support was available.” Apart from the theater presentation, she also said, “Revolution helped me put myself out there and not be afraid to stand up for what I know. The work I have done with Revolution has shaped my passion for helping others, and I hope to carry this mission forward. I want to keep educating people about the serious issues in our society and advocate for those who may feel voiceless.”
Alissa Pacheco (2024) reflects on her experience in Revolution at the personal level. She played Haley, a victim of dating violence, and fully resonated with the role. She said, “What many don’t know is that I was in a very bad relationship my senior year of high school. Playing the character of Haley was difficult for me at times because it was similar to what I was living through. Although I didn’t show it, it was a very difficult time for me. Theater truly made me feel happy, and I was able to leave that bad relationship. Although I was trained and taught about dating violence, I still fell victim to it. Now, however, I am thriving and as happy as I can be. I want survivors to know they are not alone, and that even people who know about violence can still fall victim to it. I want survivors to know they are stronger than they think they are. Without Rev, I would not be the strong, confident woman I am today.”
Cambell Tessendorf (2025) is studying Business Administration at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD. She said, “Many of my friends are from different areas and didn’t get the experience and education that Revolution provided. A lot of my friends would talk about some of their relationship struggles, and I was thankful to be able to give them some insight into what is and isn’t healthy. For example, I have noticed that jealousy and controlling behaviors are very prevalent in our generation. Without Rev, I wouldn’t have been able to help out my friends.”
In reflection, this article was a lot longer than I intended it to be, so if you’re still here, kudos to you!! I know you probably weren’t looking to read an essay, but the reality is that the issues of dating violence and sexual assault are prevalent in society today, just as they always have been. To bring it full circle, the truth is that it thrives in silence. As you sit at the Revolution presentation this week, keep this in mind. Several people in the room are victims. It might be the person next to you. Understanding how situations like dating violence and sexual assault live in our communities is the first step in making a change.
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