Preventing the Trauma of Relationship Violence

Dating violence is a major public health problem in this country. In addition to the devastating effects on academic achievement, campus safety, and self-esteem, dating violence puts teens and young adults (females and males) at risk for long-term health consequences, serious injury and even death.   The trauma of relationship violence can lead to depression, poor concentration, drug and alcohol abuse, suicidal tendencies, unhealthy weight management, and inappropriate sexual behavior.

The Domestic Violence Center of Howard County (DVC) in partnership with Howard Community College (HCC) will host Preventing Dating Violence: A Community Event at the college (Duncan Hall, Kittleman Room, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044) on Tuesday, February 19, 2013 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.  Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for refreshments and registration. During this free community forum, participants will learn about this serious and preventable public health problem that can produce negative and long-lasting effects.

The event will feature a panel of experts addressing short and long term consequences, dating and campus life, and community action towards ending this form of violence.  Individual breakout sessions will focus on topics of specific interest to teens, adults (e.g., parents, teachers, service providers) and young adults. The event will also feature a mini-wellness fair with representatives from stakeholders with an interest in nonviolence.

Preventing Dating Violence: A Community Event is open to all ages.  Pre-registration is encouraged and available on the DVC website at www.dvcenter.org. Those who register in advance will be entered into a grand prize drawing.

Many teens and adults are unaware of how often dating violence occurs. A comparison of the rates of relationship violence (also called intimate partner violence) between teens and adults reveals that teens are at higher risk of abuse. Additionally, patterns of dating violence behavior often start early and carry through into adult relationships.

Founded in 1978, the DVC is a private nonprofit agency that provides comprehensive services to women, men and children impacted by intimate partner violence and sexual assault in Howard County. Services include 24-hour helplines, residential assistance, counseling, an abuser intervention program, legal assistance, and free prevention education and awareness programs. All DVC services are confidential and fees are based on income.

For more information about the dating forum please contact Vanita Leatherwood, Director of Community Engagement, at 410-997-0304 or vleatherwood@dvcenter.org.