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Community Corner

Dating Violence Awareness Forum at HCC Friday

Domestic Violence Center, Howard Community College partner to provide free seminar during Teen dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month.

The Domestic Violence Center of Howard County and Howard Community College are partnering to hold "It’s Time to Talk: A Forum on Dating Violence" from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Fridy at the college.

February is recognized nationally as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and
Prevention Month, according to a statement from DVC.

During this free community forum participants will learn about this serious
public health problem, how to spot the warning signs of dating violence and what resources are available to Howard County residents.

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Forum panel members will include survivors and intimate partner violence experts including WHUR “Sighlent Storm” radio host Denise McCain; David Thomas of The Johns Hopkins University; Matt Thorn with PFLAG (Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays); and Kathy Ferguson from the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

Individual breakout sessions will focus on topics of specific interest to teens, young adults, parents, educators and service providers.

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“Statistics show that one in three teenagers has experienced violence in a dating relationship,” DVC Interim Executive Director, Inga James said in the statement. “Dating violence crosses all racial, economic and social lines. Most victims are young women who are also at greater risk for serious injury. Teenagers can choose better relationships when they learn to identify the early warning signs of an abusive relationship, understand that they have choices, and believe they are valuable people who deserve to be treated with respect.”

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 a 24-hour helpline, residential assistance, counseling, an
abuser intervention program, legal assistance, and free prevention education and awareness programs.

Event Details:

What: Dating Violence Awareness Forum, free and open to the public.

Who: Denise McCain of WHUR, intimate partner violence experts, survivors of dating violence.

When: 6 to 8:30 p.m., Feb. 17 (Doors open and registration begins at 5:30 p.m.)

Where: Howard Community College, Duncan Hall, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD

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