Judge Herman C. Dawson to Host
 2016 Teen Dating/Domestic Violence Summit 

The Circuit Court of Prince George's County Juvenile Court will host a Teen Domestic Violence Summit on February 20, 2016, from 9:00 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. at Charles Herbert Flowers High School in Springdale, Maryland, in collaboration with One Common Unity, a local nonprofit organization.  Judge Herman C. Dawson will be joined by Circuit Court Administrative Judge Sheila Tillerson-Adams, State's Attorney Angela Alsobrooks, Sheriff Melvin C. High, County Council Member Karen Toles (District 7), along with representatives from the Prince George's County Department of Social Services, Department of Family Services, the House of Ruth and local law enforcement agencies.  Judge Herman C. Dawson is the coordinating Circuit Court judge for juvenile matters and he has been hosting this event for the past five years.

President Barack Obama has issued a presidential proclamation recognizing February as National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month.  Each year, about one in four teens report being a victim of verbal, physical, emotional or sexual violence.  The Summit is designed to bring awareness to this issue which affects such a large segment of teenagers in Prince George's County. 

 

The goal of the Summit is to educate teenagers about dating and domestic violence and its effect on the community.  The program will consist of a main session detailing the definition of domestic violence, followed by various break-out sessions to further delve into the intricacies of dating and domestic violence highlighting some of the special issues that specifically relate to teens.  The Summit will feature a keynote speaker, panel discussions on domestic violence law, self-esteem and decision making, anger management, and conflict resolution and abuse within the context of social media and technology.  The Summit will also feature a special session for parents.