In a moment of reflection, the community of El Mirage grapples with a troubling statistic – one often shrouded in the silence: one in four teens reportedly experience dating violence, as per findings from the Center for Disease Control. This February, attention shifts to awareness during Teen Dating Violence Prevention & Awareness Month, with a focus on educating and supporting young people to recognize and foster healthy relationships, steering clear of abuse, according to the City of El Mirage.
On a night dedicated to this crucial conversation, February 12, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., the El Mirage Library will open its doors for a community forum. Encouraging parents, educators, and teens, the forum serves to ignite dialogue and equip the attendees with insights on discerning and responding to the signs of teen dating violence. Information shared by the City of El Mirage's official site pinpoints the need for support systems that are both physical and emotional in nature, tailoring assistance to the unique cases of each affected individual.
For those unable to attend the forum, there are still numerous ways to contribute in building a safer tomorrow for our teens. LoveIsRespect.org, reachable at 1-866-331-9474, or via text (LOVEIS to 22522), RAINN.org at 800-656-HOPE, and thehotline.org at 1-800-799-SAFE offer resources that prove invaluable for teens, families, and educators alike. More information on the support services they provide can be discovered at El Mirage's official website.
