Choose Respect Montgomery, an initiative of the Montgomery County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, holds its annual RespectFest both in person and online in April.
The festival aims to bolster education about healthy relationships and consent while raising awareness about teen dating violence. Students aged 12-18, parents or anyone who works with children can attend the festival virtually from April 10-14 or in person on Sunday, April 16.
Both events will focus on dating violence, how to help a friend, the warning signs of unhealthy relationships, and the community resources available and consent.
The virtual festival events will include Zoom workshops and independent activities. The in-person event will be held at the Wheaton Community Recreation Center from 1-4 p.m.
The in-person event will feature activities ranging from a community resource fair and self-defense demonstrations to raffles, performances, yoga and free food. The winner of the annual Choose Respect Video Contest will be announced at Sunday’s Respectfest.
Travel to the festival is available by the Red Line, RideOn bus, shuttle from Einstein High School or a bus from two other schools. Both events offer students the opportunity to earn SSL hours. More information about travel to RespectFest can be found on the website.
