February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

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February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

January 23, 2019Healthy Relationships, TeensBy ALLIANCEfor Children

Every February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and the theme chosen for 2019 is “Your Love is Unique… with Consent.”

The activists of Let’s Be Real, Break the Cycle’s youth movement, wanted the 2019 Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month theme to remind each and every one of you that your love is unique and you deserve to have your boundaries respected. This theme speaks to the importance of the differences in relationships, young love, and boundaries.

Telling the difference between healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationships can be difficult. Although no two relationships are the same, these are common warning signs of dating abuse from BreakTheCycle.org:

Checking cell phones, emails or social networks without permission
Extreme jealousy or insecurity
Constant belittling or put-downs
Explosive temper
Isolation from family and friends
Making false accusations
Constant mood swings towards you
Physically inflicting pain or hurt in any way
Possessiveness
Telling someone what to do
Repeatedly pressuring someone to have sex

Time to Make a Change

1 in 3 high school students experiences some form of dating violence. 81% of parents said they didn’t think or didn’t know if dating violence was a problem. It’s time to make a change!

If you see warning signs in the relationship of someone you know, talk to them, show your support and help them get the resources they need like creating a safety plan. These handouts and videos about healthy relationships are also helpful resources.

If you feel that your friend is in immediate danger or that their life is at risk or has been threatened, you may want to get emergency support by calling 911. You may also consider talking to a counselor, trusted adult, or legal aid if there is no immediate danger present.

Raise Awareness in Your Community

Resources for Parents & Educators – Find handouts here for educating teens of dating violence.
February 12, 2019 – Wear Orange 4 Love Day is on the second Tuesday in February and was started to raise awareness about teen dating abuse.
It’s Time To Talk Day is an annual Teen DV Month awareness event aimed at generating conversations about healthy relationships and preventing teen dating abuse. Find more tips to start the conversation on dating abuse in Break the Cycle’s guide and here.
Break the Cycle has put together 28 resources and ways and resources to be involved this February. Download the Healthy Me, Healthy We Teen DV Month Checklist.