The Erie County Commission on the Status of Women has partnered with the Youth Rights Agency of WNY, the University at Buffalo, Buffalo State College and a number of WNY high schools to promote safe, healthy relationships.
The push for awareness kicked off with a summit at the Buffalo History Museum, focusing on teen dating violence. February is teen dating violence awareness month. Western New York high school students and graduate students from Buffalo State and the University at Buffalo collaborated for a half-day workshop.
Participants learned to identify signs of abuse, how to respond to partner violence and were encouraged to become advocates and leaders for healthy relationships.
Monday's summit was the first installment. A mentorship program will be created, partnering high school and graduate students to trade advice and create awareness groups in the community.
