Reading Public Library, Reading, MA—February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and that means celebrating healthy relationships all month. In the library’s Teen Room, there’s a display from RESPOND Inc., stocked with informative resources on how to find help that’s just for teens. For caregivers and parents, we know that talking with teens about dating can be awkward – but it doesn’t have to feel impossible! On February 10 at 7:00 pm, 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.
Register today for this virtual event: https://bit.ly/TeenTalksCaregivers
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. 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 from Nichols College. Jenna is very passionate about working with survivors, and in particular, loves working with youth. She is very excited to be at RESPOND where she will be doing a great deal of outreach with teenagers. Find more resources at respondinc.org and loveisrespect.org. RESPOND’s Support Line can be reached from 8 am to 6 pm 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.
❦
The Reading Public Library is committed to evolving together to strengthen communication, equity, collaboration, and learning in our community. Our mission is to be a center and resource for learning and civic engagement. We provide a place and platform of, by, and for the people who can benefit as individuals as well as contribute to the well-being of the community. We work to achieve these goals and commitments by focusing on education, equity, accountability, and access.
