Reading Police to Hold Teen Dating Violence Awareness Workshop

A release from the Reading Police Department:

READING - The Reading Police Department will host a workshop on teen dating violence this May according to Deputy Chief David Clark.

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 Wednesday, May 8, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Reading Police Station at 15 Union St.

This is the second workshop the department will hold on teen dating violence this year, after a February workshop was met with significant public interest.

"We had great success with this workshop earlier this year, and are holding a second session to allow more people to come and learn the signs of teen dating violence," Deputy Chief Clark said. "It's important to teach young people about healthy relationships, and to continue these conversations to keep our teens safe."

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.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 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.

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