The Relationship Abuse Prevention Program (RAPP) and Early RAPP are core to Urban Resource Institute’s mission to end domestic violence by stopping it before it starts. By working directly with young people, schools, and families, URI helps build the foundation for safe, healthy, and respectful relationships—now and for generations to come.

RAPP focuses on adolescents and teens, while Early RAPP (ERAPP) engages middle school students at a critical developmental stage. Together, these programs shift norms, strengthen skills, and empower young people to recognize abuse, set boundaries, and choose connection rooted in dignity and respect.

How RAPP Works
URI places master’s-level social workers and trained community educators directly in schools, embedding prevention where students already live and learn. Our approach is inclusive, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed—meeting young people where they are, without judgment.

RAPP and ERAPP provide:

• Individual and group counseling for students of all genders, identities, and backgrounds
• Interactive classroom workshops on healthy relationships and consent
• Professional development and training for school staff and administrators
• Parent and caregiver engagement to reinforce learning beyond the classroom

Early RAPP (ERAPP): Starting Early, Building Strong Futures
Early RAPP teaches middle school students a clear and powerful truth: abuse has no place in love or friendship. Through age-appropriate education and open dialogue, students learn to think critically about relationships, emotions, and conflict.

Schools partnering with Early RAPP report:

• Reduced school violence
• Improved conflict-resolution skills
• Stronger self-confidence and peer connection among students

By planting seeds early, ERAPP helps grow safer schools, healthier relationships, and stronger communities.

What Students Learn
Through counseling and education, students explore topics including:

• Recognizing unhealthy or abusive behaviors
• Safely leaving or supporting someone in an abusive relationship
• Coping with trauma and exposure to violence at home
• Understanding reporting options and legal protections
• Building self-esteem, confidence, and communication skills
• Becoming active voices for prevention within their communities

Peer Leadership: Youth Leading Change
Young people are often the most powerful messengers for one another. RAPP’s Peer Leadership Program equips teens with the tools, confidence, and knowledge to speak out against relationship abuse and promote healthy norms among their peers.

Through an intensive summer program, students:

• Develop and deliver peer-to-peer trainings across NYC
• Build leadership, responsibility, and professional skills
• Strengthen community and collective accountability

Peer leaders return to their schools prepared to lead conversations, challenge harmful behaviors, and model healthy relationships.

Our Reach & Impact
Each year, RAPP and Early RAPP reach more than 40,000 students across New York City—making URI one of the most extensive school-based relationship abuse prevention providers in the region.

Behind this impact are dedicated RAPP Coordinators and Early RAPP Community Educators, working every day to help young people build lives grounded in safety, respect, and possibility.