Teen dating violence tackled at Northampton County forum

Teen romance moves fast. To prevent teens from becoming victims of teen dating violence, parents and teachers need to move fast, too.

That was the message from the panelists at a forum on teen dating violence Tuesday in Forks Township. Organized by the Northampton County District Attorney’s Office, the forum brought prosecutors, school officials and domestic violence experts together to tackle an issue that affects as many as one in 12 high school students, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Panelist Terry Glass knows too well how a teen breakup can turn violent: His 16-year-old daughter, Rianna, was murdered by her 17-year-old boyfriend in 2023. John Derwin Bradley also killed Rianna’s mother, 39-year-old Rosalyn Glass. He’s serving a 73-year state prison sentence for the killings.

“I’m hoping that we can start more conversations with teenagers,” Glass said. “Events like this help us get the word out.”

Glass, who started a nonprofit called Rianna’s Voice to raise awareness of teen dating violence, said it’s a problem that’s rarely talked about.

“Statistically, 81 percent of the adults in this country never heard of teen dating violence, or don’t want to admit that it’s real,” he said. “So hopefully this will help them realize that, yes, this a real thing that’s going on and they can start talking to their teenagers about it.”

Although teen dating violence falls under the same laws that address adult domestic violence, prosecuting it presents unique challenges, said Northampton County Assistant District Attorney Nicole Bachman, who handles juvenile court cases. Victims may be nervous about testifying or can change their mind about going forward.

“We focus on the protection of our victims. We want to protect them physically and we want to protect their mental health as well,” Bachman said.

Victims often are given a say in whether charges are brought. Juvenile offenders are given treatment, rehabilitation and supervision.

“The hope is that, if we do those things we can prevent them from becoming adult offenders,” Bachman said.

The Northampton County District Attorney hosts a panel discussion addressing...

The Northampton County District Attorney hosts a panel discussion addressing teen dating violence Tuesday,Feb. 24, 2026, at the Forks Township Community Center. The discussion addressed concerns with regard to the legislative and law enforcement response, present resources available to teen victims, and solicit questions and comments from the community in general with regard to teen dating violence. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Terry Glass speaks Tuesday, Feb.24, 2026, as the Northampton County District Attorney hosts a panel discussion addressing teen dating violence at the Forks Township Community Center. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Amy Wright speaks Tuesday, Feb.24, 2026, as the Northampton County District Attorney hosts a panel discussion addressing teen dating violence at the Forks Township Community Center. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Nicole Bachman speaks Tuesday, Feb.24, 2026, as the Northampton County District Attorney hosts a panel discussion addressing teen dating violence at the Forks Township Community Center. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Kate Kollet speaks Tuesday, Feb.24, 2026, as the Northampton County District Attorney hosts a panel discussion addressing teen dating violence at the Forks Township Community Center. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Terry Glass,left, speaks Tuesday, Feb.24, 2026, as the Northampton County District Attorney hosts a panel discussion addressing teen dating violence at the Forks Township Community Center. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Geraldine Infante speaks Tuesday, Feb.24, 2026, as the Northampton County District Attorney hosts a panel discussion addressing teen dating violence at the Forks Township Community Center. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Show Caption

1 of 20

Expand

Amy Wright, a guidance counselor at Northampton Area High School, urged parents to bring up the subject of teen dating violence in their kids’ “natural habitat,” such as hangout spots in their home or during car rides.

“You have to normalize the conversation,” she said.

Wright said early warning signs that a teen may be in an abusive relationship are slipping grades, becoming distant from friends, and giving up hobbies or activities that they love.

Because the relationship may be their first romantic encounter, teens may not even realize something is off, Wright said.

“Everything is fast, so it’s kind of hard for them to know where that boundary is and how to end things,” she said.

Teen dating violence takes many forms, panelists said. Physical and emotional abuse can occur, as well as digital abuse, such as stalking on social media.

For teens who may not have a trusted adult to confide in, help is available, said Geraldine Infante, Children’s Advocacy Director at Turning Point of Lehigh Valley. The organization has an 8-week program for teen dating violence survivors and a 24-hour hotline. (Call 610-437-3369.)

“They can just call us and say, something is off, do you think this is a red flag?” Infante said.

Kate Kollet, a Northampton County assistant district attorney and domestic violence prevention advocate who moderated the forum, said the event grew out of a similar forum discussing adult domestic violence.

Northampton DA Stephen G. Baratta said in a statement that more work is needed to bring attention to the issue.

“While the Pennsylvania Legislature and law enforcement have developed appropriate protective responses to adult domestic violence, unfortunately, our response to teen dating violence is less than robust,” Baratta said.

For Terry Glass, stopping teen dating violence is “all about the conversation.” Rianna’s Voice has held programs in schools to teach teens about the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships, and it will soon offer teen support groups.

Rianna Glass was trying to end her relationship with Bradley when he strangled her in her North Catasauqua home on Sept. 14, 2023. He then stabbed Rosalyn Glass multiple times before fleeing with a friend in Rosalyn Glass’ car.

Bradley, who pleaded guilty in April, intentionally crashed the vehicle about 15 miles away in Upper Saucon Township, and caused serious injuries to the girl, then 14. He pleaded guilty to aggravated assault for causing her injuries, which authorities said required numerous surgeries.

Rianna and Roslyn Glass were found dead in the home a few hours after the crash.

Teen dating violence tackled at Northampton County forum

Tags: