The presentation is geared toward parents and caregivers.

Talking with teens about dating can be awkward – but it doesn’t have to feel impossible! Staff from RESPOND provide tips and tools adults can use to support the teens in their lives who may be experiencing or witnessing dating violence. We identify red flags, including changes to look for in your teen's behavior, and offer strategies for having conversations that invite your teen to open up about what they are experiencing or witnessing.

This event is virtual and registration is required. A Zoom link will be emailed to you the day of the event.

Tanina Dawidowicz works for RESPOND as the Law Enforcement Partnership Coordinator where she maintains partnerships with six police departments, oversees the civilian advocates, and facilitates high risk team meetings in the community in collaboration with the District Attorney's office. Prior to this, she worked as a Civilian Advocate with the Reading, Woburn and Wilmington Police Departments. Tanina has a Master's degree in Criminal Justice and a graduate certificate in Domestic Violence Prevention. She has been providing support to survivors for five years now and has great experience working with police departments. Tanina started in this field through an internship with the New Bedford Police Department and has been working closely with law enforcement since then. 

Jenna Turrini is a Civilian Advocate/Domestic Violence Counselor at RESPOND where she works with the Woburn, Reading and Wilmington Police Departments. She has a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice that she received from Nichols College. Jenna is very passionate about working with survivors, and in particular, really loves being able to work with youth.  She is very excited to be at RESPOND where she will be doing a great deal of outreach with teenagers.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Find more resources at respondinc.org and loveisrespect.org. RESPOND’s Support Line can be reached from 8am to 6pm at (617) 623-5900.

This program is part of the Reclaiming Your Story grant, graciously funded by the Library Services & Technology Act (LSTA) Direct Grant Program.