Young Women’s Anti-Violence and Self-Empowerment Seminar Planned
Combating Sexual and Physical Violence against Teen Girls
Friday, October 30, 2015
Doles Community Center
250 South 6th Avenue
Time: 3:30 -5:30 & 6:00- 8:00 PM
Mount Vernon, NY – The Rock With Christ Foundation and the Mount Vernon Department of Recreation will present a free Young Women’s Anti-Violence and Self-Empowerment Seminar on Friday, October 30, 2015, at the Doles Community Center. The goal of this important event is to combat sexual and physical violence against teen girls between the ages of 11 and 19 years old. “As parents and community leaders, we are committed to keeping our young girls informed and protected,” said Mayor Ernest D. Davis. “This collaboration of the city with a community organization underscores the value of working together for the greater good to address the needs of the community”.
“While it is important to combat violence among teens, in general, the numbers as it relates to violence towards teen girls must be acknowledged,’ said Kay Star, Rock With Christ organizer. Given the statistics on violence involving teen girls, this is not something that can be ignored. According to statistics, 83% of girls 12-16 have experienced some form of sexual harassment in public schools, 1 in 4 girls will be sexually or physically assaulted before they reach the age of 23, of women who have survived rape or attempted rape 12.3% were younger than age 12 and 29.9% were between the ages of 11 and 17. These numbers also show girls ages 16-19 are 4 times more likely to be victims of violence, including rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault. “If you are a parent or know of a teen girl, this is an event you will not want them to miss,” said Recreation Commissioner Darren M. Morton.
This is the first in a series of events geared towards teens dealing with issues that are critical to their emotional and physical well-being.
