An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure, the saying goes. Local advocates against domestic violence are taking that to heart by addressing unhealthy relationship behaviors in teens before they ever start down the path of an abusive relationship.
The "Know Your Rights: Domestic Violence and Teens" workshop for teens will be held Saturday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Springfield Baptist, 1877 Iris Drive, by the NewRock Legal Society, Delta Sigma Theta sorority, and Springfield Baptist.
The free workshop will be split into two phases, said organizer Debbie Hillman. For the first part, participants will hear speakers, including a domestic violence survivor, watch a skit, and also receive information on the legal fallout of domestic violence. In the second phase, participants will split up into break out sessions for boys, girls and parents. Parents are in just as much need of the eye-opening information as students, said Hillman.
"The reason we're focusing on it before the first date is that if teens are living in families where domestic violence is present, they are more likely to be involved in the same kinds of situations themselves," said Hillman. "There's a growing body of knowledge that shows more and more youth are affected by teen violence than ever before."
The breakout sessions help because, "Sometimes students don't have words to describe what's going on. They don't know that that's not love."
For more information, contact Debbie R. Hillman at debbie_collector@msn.com or 404-217-5219 or Sherri Washington at newrockknowyourrights@gmail.com or 770-648-6352.
Race Against Violence
Another event addressing domestic violence will take place earlier that morning on Saturday, Oct. 26.
The annual Race Against Violence 5K run/walk fundraiser will be held at Conyers First United Methodist Church, 921 N. Main St. NW.
The 1 mile Fun Run starts at 8 a.m., with the 5K at 8:15 a.m. Race day registration is $25. Proceeds go to the domestic violence task force, domestic violence prevention programs and the domestic violence shelter Project ReNeWal.
For more information, go to rockdaleaware.com.
