Family Focus: Mecklenburg Co., CMPD hosts event to combat teen dating violence

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — One in three teenagers experience dating violence, which includes physical, verbal, and sexual abuse.

Mecklenburg County wants to create an open dialogue to help change that.

The county is hosting an event Saturday in coordination with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department to help educate teens about healthy dating relationships.

Organizers say sometimes parents or teens may be hesitant to have those difficult.

But, events such as this allow teens the opportunity to learn from one another.

"This is just a chance in a healthy, safe space, where teens can have an open discussion about it and share their opinions without judgment," Alex Pyun from the Mecklenburg County Community Support Services said.

[LINK: Teen dating violence resources: Mecklenburg County]

Saturday's event is being held at Revolutionary Park Sports Academy on Remount Road.

[LINK: Teen violence resources]

It runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Teens do no have to register in advance -- they can just show up.

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