District 1 City Councilmember Darby Pippin and District 2 City Councilmember Ameia Cotton Williams are partnering with the Harmony House Domestic Violence Shelter to host a free, guided discussion for teens focused on building healthy relationships.
The event, titled “Real Love Respects,” will help teens ages 14–19 learn how to recognize relationship red flags, set healthy boundaries, and build safe, respectful connections. Expert panelists will offer practical advice and lead conversations aimed at preventing teen dating abuse and promoting emotional well-being.
The discussion will be held at Local Groundz, 407 N. Greenwood Street, on Sunday, February 22. Teen girls are invited to attend from 4:00–6:00 p.m., and teen boys from 6:30–8:00 p.m.
“My desire to host this informational session stems from my personal experience with domestic violence,” said Councilmember Pippin. “In the decade since that experience, I’ve learned that many of the behaviors that contribute to an unhealthy relationship are learned in the early dating years and that those behaviors don’t always manifest in physical violence. Therefore, it’s critical for our young men and women to learn about what an unhealthy relationship may look like, making them better equipped to spot one in their life or the life of a friend.”
“It’s important to create space for honest conversations about what real love truly looks like,” said Councilmember Cotton Williams. “We want to provide a free, safe environment where youth feel empowered to speak openly, ask questions, and recognize the warning signs when something isn’t right. By teaching teens how to identify red flags, set healthy boundaries, and know it’s okay to speak up or walk away, we’re taking a proactive step to prevent harm, break cycles of abuse, and promote emotional well-being.”
Harmony House Domestic Violence Shelter Executive Director Michele Bedingfield is partnering with Councilmembers Pippin and Cotton Williams to help spread the message that “Real Love Respects.”
“Educating our youth regarding healthy and unhealthy relationships is not an option,” said Bedingfield. “70% of females and 60% of males have their first intimate partner violence incident prior to the age of 25. For some, that’s before they even graduate college. Our hope is to bring awareness, not only to the person who could possibly be in an abusive relationship, but also to educate friends and bystanders on how to have a conversation and best support them in these situations.”
Food, refreshments, and door prizes will be provided. The event is free and open to the public.
WHO: City of LaGrange; District 1 Councilmember Darby Pippin; District 2 Councilmember Ameia Cotton Williams; Harmony House Domestic Violence Shelter
Community Panelists: Community Prevention Educator Ema Turner; LaGrange Police Department L.E.A.D. Officer Bryant Mosley; Joy Inside Tears Founder Tracie Halcrombe; Dr. Joy Baker
WHAT: Real Love Respects. Guided discussion and Q&A on building healthy relationships for teens
WHEN: Sunday, February 22, Girls: 4:00–6:00 p.m. & Boys: 6:30–8:00 p.m.
WHERE: Local Groundz, 407 N. Greenwood Street in LaGrange
