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Montgomery County proclaims February 2025 Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month; Respect Fest announced
Summary
Councilmember Katz and county officials presented a proclamation recognizing February 2025 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month; the Family Justice Center and student advocates promoted Respect Fest on April 6 and resources for victims.
Montgomery County Council opened its session with a proclamation declaring February 2025 Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month and spotlighted local prevention efforts.
Councilmember Katz introduced the proclamation and invited county leaders and program partners to the dais. The County Executive praised the county’s outreach and emphasized that early education and bystander intervention are key to preventing dating violence. Student member Arth Babar described his work with the Choose Respect Student Advisory Committee and encouraged attendance at Respect Fest at the Wheaton Recreational Center on Sunday, April 6 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Representatives from the Montgomery County Commission for Women, the Family Justice Center, the State’s Attorney’s Office and law enforcement identified local resources for teens and families. Debbie Feinstein, chief of the Special Victims Division for the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office and chair of the Choose Respect initiative, and Jody Finkelstein, executive director of the County Commission for Women, urged anyone experiencing dating violence to contact the Family Justice Center for services.
The proclamation (read by the dais) cited national and local data and encouraged community education and prevention work; it was signed by County Executive Mark Elrich and Council President Kate Stewart and followed by a group photograph.
The council then proceeded to its scheduled business and a midday recess before afternoon public hearings.
