AN OUTREACH ADVOCATE WITH A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGENCY IN BRIDGTON (MAINE) SAYS MORE THAN HALF OF TEENS IN THE U-S HAVE FRIENDS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED SOME SORT OF DATING ABUSE – AND NEARLY THREE QUARTERS OF YOUNG ADULTS SAYS THEY’RE CONCERNED ABOUT PHYSICAL VIOLENCE IN A DATING RELATIONSHIP.

CHARLOTTE NOLAN OF FAMILY CRISIS SERVICES SAYS HER AGENCY WILL HOST A PUBLIC PANEL DISCUSSION TONIGHT AT LAKE REGION HIGH SCHOOL ON ROUTE 302 IN NAPLES DESIGNED TO HELP PARENTS LEARN HOW TO DETECT SIGNS OF ABUSE – AND TAKE ACTION IF THEY SUSPECT THEIR TEEN IS IN AN UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIP.

PANELISTS – INCLUDING A SCHOOL RESOURCE POLICE OFFICER FROM SOUTH PORTLAND, A LAWYER WHO DEALS WITH TEEN ISSUES, A YOUTH EDUCATOR AND ABUSE PREVENTION TEAM LEADER – WILL TALK ABOUT USE OF SOCIAL NETWORKING WEB SITES AND LEGAL HELP THAT’S AVAILABLE TO CHILDREN.

THE FREE EVENT STARTS AT SEVEN O’CLOCK IN THE HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL NOLAN AT (207) 647-8501.