DET was created in memory of Deana Brisbois, a young woman from Topsfield, MA taken too soon, at the young age of 23. Deana had been in an abusive relationship for more than two years. On a fateful day, in April 1994, Deana would make one final decision that would lead to her death, getting into a car with her abusive boyfriend. Deana’s parents, siblings and friends turned to Educational Theater to start a critical conversation with other kids, parents and adults with the hope of preventing these accidents in the future.

While Deana’s Educational Theater was born out of darkness, we carry the light that Deana was to put a spotlight on the topic of dating violence and bullying. There is no better defense than to recognize the signs, start the conversation with today’s youth, as early as possible, so everyone can understand how to be a good friend or partner, how to be a good bystander, or how to get help and see the signs that a relationship isn’t going in a healthy direction.

Twenty-five years after Deana’s death, the DET team continues to keep her memory alive.