Saving Grace Offers Presentations on Healthy Teen Relationships

Bend, Ore. – Talking about relationships can be awkward at best. But whether those conversations happen between parents and their children, or between teens and their friends or dates, they help lay a foundation for healthy relationships and prevent future violence.

In honor of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, Saving Grace is hosting two presentations designed to make these conversations easier and more effective – one for adults (including parents, teachers, and others) and one for middle and high school-aged youth.

“Let’s Talk About It: Teens and Dating” will teach adults strategies for having conversations with the teens in their lives about healthy relationships and will feature a panel of local experts including therapists, advocates, and parents.

“Let’s Talk About It: #RelationshipGoals” will help teens understand the impact of pop culture and other media messages on their relationships and teach them how to set and achieve their own healthy relationship goals.

Both free events will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at Bend High School, rooms A-1 and A-5.

Talking to teens about healthy relationships is critical because teens also experience dating abuse. One in three adolescents in the United States experiences some form of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse from a dating partner. Two-thirds of teens who are in an abusive relationship never tell anyone about the abuse. And most parents don’t know it’s happening.

To learn more about teen dating violence, visit www.saving-grace.org. For help dealing with abuse, call Saving Grace’s 24-hour Helpline at541-389-7021.

Saving Grace provides comprehensive intimate partner violence and sexual assault services and promotes the value of living life free from violence.