#respectfest2021 will provide tools to prevent dating abuse

For immediate release: Teens and parents are invited to attend #respectfest2021 virtually from April 18 through April 24, 2021. The weeklong free initiative will focus on learning about dating violence prevention and the resources available in Montgomery County, Maryland. The event will be available in both English and Spanish. #respectfest2021 is a Choose Respect Montgomery program.

One in 10 Maryland high school students have experienced physical and/or sexual dating violence, according to Smita Varia, Program Manager of the Domestic Violence Coordinating Council.

Students will receive SSL hours through the event. Varia noted that the event will include break-out rooms with discussions, an online scavenger hunt, a survivor's story, yoga and self-defense classes, and other interactive activities. The winners of the Choose Respect Video Contest will be announced during the week.

For further information, visit http://bit.ly/respectmoco.

Choose Respect Montgomery is an initiative of the Montgomery County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, whose mission is to promote respect in dating relationships and to raise community awareness about the prevalence of teen dating violence.