February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. For the second year in a row, the City of Columbia and Richland School District One are teaming up to bring awareness to teen dating violence.
The City of Columbia Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement will be on site for basketball games at Dreher High School Friday, February 7, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. and Eau Claire High School on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
While on site at the schools, the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement staff will provide resources for youth and their families regarding violence prevention, share guidance on recognizing unhealthy relationship behaviors, in addition to accessing support services. Teen dating violence is a prevalent issue and these types of initiatives are needed to encourage conversations between students, parents and educators about fostering healthy, respectful relationships.
“From city staff mentoring at schools, to reading days, to resource fairs, we are working on additional ways to partner with Richland One. It is important to work with school districts to increase the city’s outreach with students and families in our communities,” said Dr. Trevon Fordham, director of the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement. “This initiative aims to promote awareness and provide direct access to vital resources related to reducing violence among teens.”
The Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement will hand out informational materials, hotline cards and stickers with the message “Respect is the Rule!” If you or someone you know is experiencing teen dating violence, reach out to the National Dating Abuse Hotline by texting LOVEIS to 22522 or call 1-866-331-9474 or call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
For more information, contact Kimberly Goethe, the program assistant for the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, at 839-218-2849 or [email protected].