Parker Middle School students recently participated in an insightful presentation on teen dating violence, led by Melissa S. Barrios, founder of MSB Consulting, LLC. This event, organized by the ECPS Sexual Risk Avoidance Education Program, was part of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and spearheaded by ECPS Mental Health Coordinator & Social Worker Sherika King.
With extensive experience in violence prevention, Melissa Barrios has worked on numerous projects supporting sexual assault response, awareness campaigns, and teen dating violence prevention across North Carolina. She has also contributed to CDC-funded initiatives and co-created LoveSpeaksOut, a national platform advocating for healthy relationships.
Sherika King highlighted the importance of empowering students with knowledge, stating, "Education is key to preventing teen dating violence. By providing our youth with the right tools, we help them build safe and respectful relationships."
The presentation raised awareness, identified warning signs of unhealthy relationships, and provided valuable resources for students in need.
ECPS remains committed to supporting students' social and emotional well-being through initiatives like the Sexual Risk Avoidance Education Program, which continues to address crucial topics impacting student safety.
For more information on teen dating violence prevention resources or upcoming events, please contact Sherika King at sking@ecps.us.