Baby Girl 2: My Dad is Dope combats teen domestic violence at the Sullivan Performing Arts Center November 3rd Saturday 4:30pm and 7:00pm. Courtesy of Vanessa Jackson-Fields.

Local play writer and director Vanessa Jackson-Fields brings teen domestic violence awareness through her new play, Baby Girl 2: My Dad is Dope. New young actors and returning cast members demonstrated lesser-known warning signs and dangers of an abusive relationship at the Sullivan Performing Arts Center, 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday.

Newcomer Kiauna Smith portrays smart, outgoing, family-oriented, high-school valedictorian, college-bound Jasmine (Baby Girl) escaping from her former violent boyfriend, Marcus (Kameron Randle) a year after a relationship ended.

“It’s written around a young teenage girl that didn’t know the signs of an unhealthy relationship or a potential abuser, because usually they start off really nice, well-cut people, and you have to know the signs that they can potentially be an abuser. This show points out all the signs, especially this day and time”, said Vanessa Jackson-Fields.

The 15-year Anniversary play began with the early stages of obsession, control, and stalking in teen dating violence via today’s communication media: texting, phone calls, and emailing. “They become obsessed with you. Show up at your door when they’re not wanted, even though you told them not to. They keep you away from your family and friends and want you to be with them all the time”, said Jackson-Fields.

Domestic violence advocate and play writer, Vanessa Jackson-Fields poses in the Perot Theater, where her first play took place in 2003. Photo Credit Tiffany Brown

According to One Love Foundation and Joyful Heart Foundation, isolation is considered a domestic abuse warning sign. The family foundation also mentioned belittling, intensity, manipulation, and jealousy, which Jackson-Fields mentioned in her play. “You might think it’s because ‘Oh they just jealous’, and think it’s cute, but it’s not. Being jealous can be very dangerous. It’s like they have ownership over you. They believe you belong to them,” said Jackson-Fields.

Jackson-Fields included real-life scenarios of physical abuse, potential sexual abuse, and a horrific tragedy. “Shoving, grabbing and getting very angry. The play kind of shows a lot of that. It gets very graphic”, said Jackson-Fields.

Domestic teen violence does not discriminate against social class, race, gender, age, or family background. It can occur among upper and middle-class teenagers. “I always remember April Love. She came from a nice middle-class family. She was so smart and had a bright future. She was killed September 2005 by her boyfriend on a college campus. It was days before they found her. You never would’ve thought, she would be killed in an abusive relationship”, said Jackson-Fields.

According to The Telegraph UK writer Amanda Prowse, abuse can happen in middle-class families. In fact, middle class abuse cases are rarely reported, as seen in the teen domestic violence play. “Abuse is sweeping the country and nobody really pays attention, until someone loses their life”, said Jackson-Fields.

Jackson-Fields cast newcomers Isaiah Germany, Jashaun Wedlong, returning cast members Pastor Lamarcus Franklin, Tammie Harvey, Dr. Mary Phillips, and Connie Thompson as a supportive family, however their favorite baby girl, Jasmine found herself in a violent relationship. “This play is showing when you’re in these relationships, it not only affects you, but everybody around you”, said Jackson-Fields.

Domestic violence survivor turned advocate play writer, Vanessa Jackson-Fields. Photo Credit, Tiffany Brown.

The former abuse victim turned advocate encourages teen boys and girls to speak up before it’s too late. “I hope they learn okay I know he’s doing that, but I need to get away. Run! Get away from him or her! Go to your parents or somebody you know that will support you. Do not try to handle it alone or hold back, because you can’t. If they do it one time, that’s just a warning”, said Jackson-Fields.

If you are experiencing domestic violence or know someone that’s experiencing domestic violence please speak up or link to Texarkana Domestic Violence. Or call (903)-794-4000 or visit 424 Spruce St, Texarkana, TX 75501, 8-5.