Police To Hold Awareness Workshop On Teen Dating Violence

A release from the Reading Police Department:

READING - Deputy Chief David Clark wishes to notify residents that the Reading Police Department will host a workshop on teen dating violence this February.

The Reading Police Department has partnered with RESPOND Inc, a New England domestic violence agency, to hold a workshop for the parents and guardians of pre-teens and adolescents on Thursday, Feb. 28 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Reading Police Station at 15 Union St.

A RESPOND Domestic Violence Counselor who works with the Reading Police Department will give a presentation at the workshop. Members of the Reading Police Department will also be present, including officers that work with families and children. Light refreshments will be served at the event.

"RESPOND Inc works throughout the year to serve all survivors of domestic violence," said Amanda Reichmuth, Chief Programs Officer at RESPOND Inc. "Each year we speak to thousands of young people about healthy relationships and teen dating violence, working to stop dating violence before it starts."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a 2017 survey found that approximately one in nine female teenagers and one in 13 male teenagers had experienced physical dating violence in the past year. The same survey found that one in seven female teenagers and one in 19 male teenagers had experienced sexual dating violence in the past year.

"It's important for parents to know the signs of teen dating violence, and to be aware of the resources available to them and their teen," Deputy Chief Clark said. "Fortunately we've been able to partner with RESPOND to host this event and bring awareness to the prevalence of teen violence."

Parents and caregivers interested in attending the workshop can RSVP by emailing Sammy@respondinc.org.