Open-Door
Abuse Awareness Prevention (ODAAP) was borne out of a personal
experience with intimate partner violence. When ODAAP founder, Valencia
Peterson was a young girl, her father killed her mother. As she
confronted the harsh realities of this trauma, she realized that several
factors precipitated her father's decision, including his own trauma.
This led to the epiphany that still drives her today: Violence is preventable.
After gaining a background in trauma-informed care, she began efforts
to reduce the likelihood of violence by developing skills in boys. In
2014, Peterson formed ODAAP to partner with sports teams to train
players and coaches in topics that range from self-regulation to healthy
relationships. This sports-based initiative later became known as
Beyond the Game. Since then, ODAAP's work has expanded to include
Intentionally Caring United (ICU) and Boys Made Men (BMM), designed to
empower girls and boys in their transition to adulthood. ODAAP has also
developed a curriculum for coaches and formed partnerships with the
Philadelphia Eagles, Thomas Jefferson University, and Futures Without
Violence. Since its inception, ODAAP has worked with over 10 high
schools in three states garnering praise from youth, parents, coaches,
and school administrators.