Advocates

During February’s National Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month, teens and those who support them join together to raise awareness to teen dating violence. Dating violence is more common than many people think. One in three teens in a dating relationship abuse – emotional, sexual or physical. And nearly half (43%) of college women report experiencing violent and abusive dating behaviors.
By joining together every February, we can empower young people with knowledge and skills to increase awareness and stop dating abuse before it starts!
By learning about unhealthy and healthy relationships, and especially sharing how friends can support friends in abusive relationships, every teen can make a difference.

Young people, 12 to 19 years old, experience the highest rates of rape and sexual assault. Youth, 18 to19 years old, experience the highest rates of stalking. Approximately 15.5 million U.S. children live in families in which intimate partner violence occurred at least once in the past year. There are a large number of young people in this country whose lives are affected – sometimes shaped – by violence. Teen dating violence and other forms of exposure to violence are a huge problem in this country. The research below indicates a strong connection between dating violence, exposure to other forms of violence, and unhealthy behaviors.

In all likelihood, your young teen is experiencing significant emotional, psychological and physical changes. And, while your teen needs you more than ever to help them through this challenging time, they are also seeking independence and turning to peers. While it may seem easier to let your teen shake you loose, hang on. They really do need you and this resource can guide you in how to start conversations with your teen about dating violence.

A Tribal-specific Teen Dating Violence poster that can be placed in schools (with space to add Advocacy contact information).

The loveisrespect National Youth Advisory Board created Respect Week as a special way for young people to raise awareness during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (Teen DV Month) in February. This year, our theme for Teen DV Month is “#1Thing,” and you can get more information on setting healthy boundaries at loveisrespect.org. This guide is designed to inspire students and youth leaders around the country to actively and creatively promote messages about dating violence and healthy relationships in their own communities.

Teachers have a unique opportunity to interact with students on a daily basis for the majority of each school year. With the correlation of school shootings and teen dating violence, it is important for teachers to be aware of some of the warning signs, and how physical and emotional violence can be misinterpreted and normalized in the school setting. Teachers can offer support, provide resources, and encourage healthy conversations by utilizing the tools in this resource.