February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Dating violence impacts people of all ages and is especially common among both teens and young adults. Recent reports indicate that up to one in three teens in the United States will experience abuse from someone they are dating before they turn 18. According to Love is Respect, surveys among college women indicate that almost half (43%) experienced abuse/violence in a dating relationship. Furthermore, people aged 12 to 19 experience the highest rates of sexual violence among any age group, with 10% of those incidents occurring at the hands of an intimate partner. Young people who experience violence in dating relationships are also at greater risk of future victimization, suffering adverse behavioral and health consequences and carrying unhealthy behaviors into their adult relationships according to youth.gov. 

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) is a campaign established with the goal of raising awareness about teen dating violence. It is also a call for action. Through advocacy and education, young people can learn how to recognize unhealthy or abusive behaviors in relationships, where they can turn for help if they are experiencing abuse/violence, and how to support their peers. The 2022 theme for TVDAM is Talk About It. Talk About It encourages teens and young adults to engage in meaningful conversations about relationships among themselves and with those who support them. Parents, educators, coaches, and other community members are urged to learn more about TDVAM and to get involved. For more information about how to get involved, please check out Love is Respect.