Hundreds of teens and families will learn about how to avoid dating abuse Sunday during the annual RespectFest in Montgomery County, Maryland.
RespectFest teaches teens about dating violence, consent, how to help a friend and the warning signs of abuse to look out for.
Montgomery County State鈥檚 Attorney John McCarthy says one in three teens experience dating abuse.
鈥淲e hope to make this a healthier teen dating community and we think in the long run we鈥檙e going to have reduced domestic violence in our community,鈥� said McCarthy.
The free festival will feature self defense lessons, free food, yoga, raffle prizes and much more.
Poolesville High School student Daniela Martinez is one of more than 300 students who created a to be part of this year鈥檚 鈥淐hoose Respect鈥� contest. She was selected as a finalist and will be awarded $1,000 if she wins.
is on Sunday, April 16, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Wheaton Community Recreation Center.
