Teenagers will have the opportunity to raise awareness about teen dating violence through the "Love Like That" Spoken Word Event organized by SAFE in Lenoir County. The event, aimed at educating and preventing teen dating violence, seeks to shed light on a prevalent yet often unspoken issue among youth.

"Teen dating violence is more common than what people actually think and unfortunately, never spoken of," remarked Jennifer Mervin, Operations Director at SAFE. "Every person deserves to be in a respected relationship, especially in their teen years."

Scheduled to take place at The Exchange at Hometowne on February 29, 2024 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, the event invites teenagers to showcase their creativity and talents through original spoken word pieces such as poetry and rap. Registrants are encouraged to present uplifting messages that convey hope and awareness. Each piece is requested to be between three to five minutes long.

"We are engaging the youth of the community as ambassadors to educate, empower, and bring awareness to their peers who may be experiencing teen dating violence," Mervin explained. "One person can cause change."

Participants will compete for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize trophies, determined by audience applause. The event aims to foster a supportive environment while recognizing the artistic efforts of the youth.

"This event is a vital component of our efforts to teach signs of healthy relationship behaviors and raise awareness about the red flags of unhealthy relationship behaviors," Mervin emphasized. "It's not just about teen dating relationships; it's about promoting successful relationships in general."

The "Love Like That" Spoken Word Event is free and open to the public, although space is limited. Registration is required to attend. Organizers encourage community members to support the youth in their endeavors to address teen dating violence.

In the words of Mervin, "Together, we can make a difference."

For more information and registration details, interested individuals can contact SAFE in Lenoir County. https://www.safeinlenoir-greene.org/index.html