Montgomery County proclaims Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month; RespectFest set for March

Montgomery County formally proclaimed February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month on the council dais, where officials highlighted local prevention programs, a public service announcement contest and a community festival slated for March.

Council member Katz opened the brief ceremony by noting common estimates of prevalence and urging community action: "February is teen dating violence awareness month, and you're gonna see many people today wearing the color orange," Katz said, and reminded residents that the Family Justice Center can be contacted for help at (240) 773-0444.

Debbie Feinstein, identified in the meeting as Chief of the Special Victims Division in the state's attorney's office, said the county is working in schools and recreation programs to prevent abuse and to teach healthy relationships. "Our county does an incredible job fighting teen dating violence," Feinstein said, describing partnerships such as "soccer for change," coaching programs and a public service announcement contest whose winners will be revealed March 15.

The proclamation text, read aloud by the council member, states that the County Executive Mark Elrich and the Montgomery County Council "hereby proclaim teen dating violence awareness and prevention month in Montgomery County," cites statistics on adolescent abuse, and lists Choose Respect Montgomery and the Montgomery County Family Justice Center Foundation among supporting organizations. The reading also promoted RespectFest, a community-wide virtual festival March 8–15 and an in-person event on March 15 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wheaton Community Recreation Center with free food, performances, activities and a resource fair.

Officials and partner representatives who identified themselves during the presentation included members of the Montgomery County Commission for Women and the Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, staff from the Family Justice Center and Montgomery County law enforcement. The council paused afterward for a group photograph.

The proclamation encourages residents to "recognize the pervasive problem of teen dating violence, engage in education and prevention efforts, support our friends and families in the process of seeking services, and spread the word about the help available through the Family Justice Center and Trauma Services." The Family Justice Center hotline provided during the session was (240) 773-0444.