“Georgia has the third highest rate of teen dating violence in the U.S. and 68% of teens do not confide in their parents about the abuse,” according to Partnership Against Domestic Violence (PADV). To increase awareness and decrease that rate of violence, the free PADV Teen Summit will be held Saturday, March 3, at Decatur High School, 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m.  

PADV Teen Board members Christina Zaprianova and Zoe Flore answered a few questions about the event, which were posted by VOX Investigates reporters.

What events are going to be there?

• Christina Zaprianova: The PADV Teens are hosting two workshops and are very excited for both. We are hosting a “Self-Love: Map Your Own Worth” workshop, which teaches the importance of self-love inside and outside a relationship in a creative way. We are also hosting a “What Adults Need to Know About Dating Violence” workshop, which was a great success last year with adult attendees so it is being brought back.
• Zoe Flores: There are going to be several workshops at the teen summit. Both parents and teenagers will enjoy these workshops. There will also be a panel of survivors, advocates, and friends of survivors of domestic violence.

Who will be there?

• Christina: The PADV advisory board along with PADV staff members. In addition, organizations like Multi-Agency Alliance for Children, Planned Parenthood, Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and more, will also be there.
• Zoe: Anyone [who] wants to go!

How many people will be there?

• Christina: Last year [more than] 500 adults and youth attended the summit, and we hope to see a similar number this year!

Why should it matter? Why should I attend?

• Christina: Teen Summit is an excellent learning experience for all ages. It is a way to be aware of what really happens in relationships behind the scenes. It does not only consist of lectures — it contains fun and creative ways of teaching important information all people should know about.
• Zoe: It’s very important for not only parents to come but also teens. Teens need to be educated on warning signs of an abusive relationship to prevent a future one. Parents also need to be able to recognize that their teen may be in an abusive relationship. There are also some really fun workshops!

How many females have actually experienced domestic violence?

• Christina & Zoe: It’s important to note that anyone can experience dating violence, despite their self-identified gender or sexual orientation.  Overall, as many as one in three teens experience dating violence.

What is PADV’s intention for the summit?

• Christina: PADV’s intention for the summit is to raise awareness. People do not truly understand the problem of domestic violence and do not take it as seriously as it should be. Our goal is for Teen Summit to be an eye-opening experience.
• Zoe: PADV intention is not only to educate teens on healthy relationships, but also help empower them.

Click here to register for this year’s summit.

Christina and Zoe are both members of this year’s PADV Teen Board and are sophomores at Parkview High School. 

VOX partners with PADV’s Teen Summit each year to bring opportunities for teens to speak out about many aspects of relationships, dating and dating violence.  This year’s event will include an open mic. Teens can sign up to read or perform by emailing Josie@voxatl.org. 

To partner with VOX to bring speak-out opportunities to a local teen event, please contact Rachel@voxatl.org.