Non-Profit Group On A Mission To Curb Teen Dating Violence, Launches Worldwide Video Game Contest

Atlanta, Georgia, March 3, 2015 (Newswire.com) - Video games are often criticized for glamourizing murder, drug abuse and other criminal behavior. However, for Jennifer Ann’s Group, founder Drew Crecente wants to change the perception of video games by showing that they can be an effective way to reach today’s youth and teach them about the seriousness of teen dating violence.

“Studies have since come out that in addition to increasing awareness and providing educational information, video games are also effective at changing attitudes about the acceptability of some types of behavior,” explained Crecente. “We are currently working to get funding for a more detailed study of the effectiveness of our video games.”

Studies have since come out that in addition to increasing awareness and providing educational information, video games are also effective at changing attitudes about the acceptability of some types of behavior.

Drew Crecente, Jennifer Ann's Group

In 2006, Crecente’s world came crumbling down after his 18-year-old daughter, Jennifer, was murdered by her ex-boyfriend the day after Valentine’s Day. Her body was eventually found in a wooded area of Austin, Texas. She had been shot in the back of the head. To keep his daughter’s memory alive, Crecente launched Jennifer Ann’s Group.

“One of the great uses of our video games is for parents to play some of the games and learn about the issue of teen dating violence themselves,” stated Crecente. “Then they can pick which game seems to be most appropriate for their child and share the game with him or her. Not only does this provide an easy means to approach a sensitive topic, but also ensures that you both have the same important information upon which to build future conversations.”

To date, Jennifer Ann’s Group has created 22 video games and has plans to continue releasing even more. This month, the organization officially launch the 8th annual “Life. Love. Game Design Challenge.” Past winning entries have come from all over the world including Argentina, Belgium, Canada and India.

“The winner will be instrumental in helping to launch the organization’s latest game,” stated Drew.

As part of the challenge, applicants must create a video game with a focus on teen dating violence without using violence in the game itself. The winner will receive $8,000. Second place will receive $1,200, and third place will receive $600. There is also a door prize is $200. The deadline to enter is June 1, 2015. For additional information about the game, visit http://stoptdv.com/2015-life-love-game-design-challenge-temp.htm.

In the future, Crecente’s organization is looking to generate enough money to fund research on the effectiveness of the games in preventing abuse.

 “Another aspect of our crowdfunding campaign is to localize these games for other countries and cultures,” stated Crecente. “Currently all of our games are in English and a couple of them are also in Spanish but we need to make them available in a variety of languages as well as to partner with nonprofit organizations in other countries who can provide teens with further assistance.”

Many of the organization’s games are web-based and can be played online by visiting: JAGga.me. Several of other games are also available for smartphones and tablets in the iTunes, Google Play, BlackBerry World, Windows Phone, and Amazon app stores.  Links to those sites and more info are also available at the organization’s video game portal: JAGga.me.

“The majority of our games are free but some of the smartphone and tablet games are $1.99 each,” added Crecente.

About Drew Crecente: Drew has appeared on HLN, The Huffington Post and many other national media outlets, spreading awareness about the seriousness of teen dating violence. A native of Atlanta, he’s served as a guest speaker at national and international conferences and seminars about teen dating violence. This month, he’ll be a featured speaker at 2015 GDC (http://www.gdconf.com/). Drew has a BBA double major in Computer Information Systems and Management from the University of Texas. After launching Jennifer Ann’s Group, he received his JD from Georgia State University College of Law.