Free workshops: When teen dating turns violent

GOSHEN — Safe Homes of Orange County recognizes Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month with free workshops this month for youth service providers, educators, administrators, and law enforcement officers.
Teen Dating Violence 101 Wednesday, Feb. 21, 9 a.m.-noon, in the Melville Room at the Orange County Department of Mental Health, 30 Harriman Drive, Goshen
Monday, Feb. 26, 1-4 p.m., in Safe Homes Offices, 4 Floor Conference Room, 280 Broadway, Newburgh
Overview of teen dating violence awareness, prevention, survivor-centered responses, and recognizing the warning signs of intimate partner abuse.
"In Their Shoes" Saturday, Feb. 24, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Mental Health Association in Orange County, 73 James P. Kelly Way, Middletown
Participants become one of six teen characters based on the experiences of real teens including sexting, pregnancy, homophobia and stalking. They make choices about their relationships and move through the scenario by reading about interactions with their dating partner, family, friends, counselors, police, and others.
The Escalation Workshop Monday, Feb. 26, 1-4 p.m., in Safe Homes Offices, 4 Floor Conference Room, 280 Broadway, Newburgh
Sponsored by the One Love Foundation and part of a national movement to honor survivors and raise awareness, the workshop includes a short film that tells the story of two college students and exemplifies what it can look like for a relationship to start off with scenes of falling in love and escalate into abuse. Group conversation will follow the film screening. Our belief is that relationship violence is an epidemic that can be stopped. The goal of this workshop is to highlight the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationship behaviors so that participants can recognize the warning signs and stop abuse before it starts.
Register for these free workshops online at safehomesorangecounty.org/tdvamworkshop or call Elizabeth Greenblatt at 562-5365 ext. 104.