De-Normalizing Rape Culture in Teen Dating

De-Normalizing Rape Culture in Teen Dating

All teens (13-18 years old) are welcome to join HopeWorks' Youth Leaders for this event!

HopeWorks' Youth Leadership Project is hosting an interactive workshop in honor of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) to explore and learn more about the elements that different relationships hold. Dating violence is more common than people think, especially among teens and young adults: In the U.S., one in three teens experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse when in a relationship.

This teen-led workshop is designed to inspire and empower young people to foster healthy, respectful, supportive, fun, and safe relationships. This interactive activity will explore what is means to build connections based on open communication, trust, respect, and equality- while also identifying and addressing signs of unhealthy and abusive behaviors.

Through discussion and activity, teens will gain knowledge to navigate relationships with confidence and compassion. This workshop is a safe space for teens to work together to learn more about relationships, whether it's romantic, platonic, or familial.

This TDVAM, join HopeWorks' Youth Leaders as they reflect upon the ways in which rape culture is normalized in the media & in everyday life/language and how we can combat these normalizations to promote safety within our communities. After the discussion, Youth leaders will lead attendees through the "In Their Shoes" activity followed by a debrief to reflect upon what was learned and develop ways of taking these conversations into their communities.

Details:

Saturday, February 21, 2026

1 pm to 3 pm

9770 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite #100

Columbia, MD 21046

Any questions? You can contact:

LaRelle John

HopeWorks’ Community Educator

[email protected]

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Host or Publisher HopeWorks Community Engagement Department