Barri Rosenbluth

Since 1989, Barri Rosenbluth has led the way in innovative design, policy development, and community engagement related to youth victims of dating and sexual violence. She created and expanded SafePlace’s Expect Respect program into a model that is nationally recognized for addressing and preventing these crimes. 

Expect Respect provides school-based counseling and support groups in Austin, Texas, for K-12 youth hurt by dating and sexual violence. The program also engages youth to act as leaders and role models to promote healthy relationships through leadership training and a youth theater ensemble. 

Expect Respect has been recognized as a promising practice by Research Triangle Institute International, the National Center for Victims of Crime, and the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence. The program serves thousands of youth and adults each year. 

In 2008, SafePlace was selected as 1 of 11 sites in the U.S. to participate in the Start Strong: Building Healthy Teen Relationships Initiative, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. It is the largest grant initiative for the primary prevention of dating and sexual violence. 

Ms. Rosenbluth’s vision and work has helped develop innovative resources and increase the capacity of diverse professionals, youth, and communities across the U.S. to engage in critical work to recognize, respond to, and prevent dating and sexual violence among youth. 

Barri Rosenbluth was nominated by Julia Spann, Executive Director, SafePlace.