When teen dating turns violent, it can have lasting consequences. About 1 in 12 high school students experienced physical dating violence in 2019, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Now, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing abuse among youth has partnered with the Maricopa Association of Governments to prevent teen dating violence.
“Teen dating violence is a pattern of controlling behaviors that stem from power and control, one person in a dating relationship who is a teen wanting to gain or maintain power and control of the other person in that dating relationship," said Donna Bartos, founder and CEO of Bloom365.
Bartos also cited teen dating violence's impacts within Arizona.
"Here, in Maricopa County, specifically, we know that 50% or more of teens, primarily high school students, have experienced physical sexual or emotional abuse victimization in their dating relationship," she said.
According to Bartos, the webinars will also be interactive so attendees will have the opportunity to participate and engage with one another.
Visit the Maricopa Association of Governments website for more information or to register. The next webinar will be held on Feb. 7.
