February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a national effort to raise awareness about dating violence in teens and young adults. While teen dating violence might not seem that important or that common, in fact 1.5 million high school students report experiencing violence by their dating partner annually and 43% of female college students report experiencing violence in dating partners. Additionally, 29% of heterosexual teens report having been physically abused by a dating partner. 43% of lesbian, gay, and bisexual teens report having been physically abused by a dating partner and 89% of transgender teens report having been physically abused by a dating partner. This violence has the potential of continuing onto adulthood, perpetuating the cycle of violence.
In an effort to increase awareness of this issue and to help teens and their families prevent this abuse from happening, S.O.F.I.A. (Start Out Fresh Advocates) is partnering with Essex County Family Justice Center and the Essex County VOICES Chapter for a community education workshop. Entirely free and open to the public, attendees will learn ways to identify warning signs of violence and abuse, as well as ways to recognize and promote healthy dating relationships. Some other topics will include educating parents on how to talk to their children and teens about respecting their peers, partners, and themselves and how our health is impacted by dating violence.
Parents are urged to attend this important workshop with their teens and children. Come and learn about some local agencies that assist with interpersonal violence and learn about ways to combat interpersonal violence in our community in an open and safe environment.
Saturday Feb. 24th
1pm-3pm
11 Pine St. Montclair, NJ 07042
Community Services Building
Street parking available and conveniently located near Bay St. NJ Transit Station - light refreshments will be provided!
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or teen dating violence, please call:
National Domestic Violence 24 hour Hotline
1-800-799-7233
The Safe House 24 hour Hotline
973-759-2154
