Teen Domestic Violence Focus Of MW Women's Commission Forum

FRAMINGHAM, MA — A series of forums about relationship violence from the MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women (MWCSW) continues this week with a Thursday even focusing on domestic violence in teen relationships.

Here's more from and MWCSW press release:

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women will be hosting the third of four online discussions this Thursday, October 21 beginning at 7 p.m. The event, which is being facilitated by the Athena Council — a teen advocacy and mentorship program — will offer an informal listening circle for any teens who identify as female to come and discuss what they know about intimate partner violence. Titled, "But is it Love? Teens Discuss the Crisis of Interpersonal Violence and What THEY Need," teen
participants will be invited to share the level of accessibility and exposure that they and their peers have to healthy relationship education and to outline what THEY need from their schools, communities and families to ensure that they are safe.

According to LoveisRespect.org, 1 in 3 teenage girls are the victims of physical, emotional or verbal abuse. In fact, "women aged 16-24, experience the highest rate of intimate partner violence than any other age group or gender identity," that is 3 times the national average.

If you are a young person or know any young people who would be interested in contributing to this conversation, you can register at our Event Brite page.

Registration is free and open to the public. Adults who register will be invited to participate in a breakout room separate from the teen discussion. We hope to see you there!

The MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women was enacted by law and established on Jan. 8, 2015, to give voice to all women in the MetroWest region of Massachusetts. We strive to provide a permanent, effective voice for the women living and working in the region. We work at the local level to raise awareness and advocate for issues affecting women in the 28 communities we represent (Ashland, Bellingham, Dover, Framingham, Franklin, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hudson, Marlborough, Maynard, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Natick, Needham, Norfolk, Northborough, Norwood, Sherborn, Southborough, Stow, Sudbury, Walpole, Wayland, Wellesley, Westborough, Weston, and Wrentham).