February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month (TDVAM) — a time dedicated to raising awareness about unhealthy relationships and empowering young people to build safe, respectful connections.
Teen dating violence is more common than many people realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, millions of U.S. teens experience physical, emotional, or sexual violence from a dating partner each year. Abuse can happen in person or online and includes behaviors such as constant texting to monitor someone’s whereabouts, spreading rumors, isolating a partner from friends, intimidation, and physical harm.
What Does Teen Dating Violence Look Like?
Dating violence isn’t always obvious. It can include:
Emotional abuse – Insults, manipulation, jealousy, humiliation
Digital abuse – Monitoring social media, demanding passwords, excessive messaging
Physical abuse – Hitting, pushing, or any unwanted physical contact
Sexual abuse – Pressure or force to engage in sexual activity
Healthy relationships, on the other hand, are built on:
Respect
Trust
Honest communication
Boundaries
Equality
Why Awareness Matters
Experiencing violence in a relationship can have long-term effects on mental health, academic success, and future relationships. Prevention starts with education — helping teens recognize warning signs early and understand that abuse is never their fault.
Parents, caregivers, educators, and community members all play a role. Open conversations about relationships, modeling respect, and encouraging teens to speak up can make a significant difference.
How You Can Get Involved
Share resources and educational materials
Host a school or community discussion
Encourage teens to define what a healthy relationship looks like
Promote support services and hotlines
For confidential help, teens and parents can contact Loveisrespect or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
Together, we can create a culture where young people feel safe, valued, and empowered in their relationships. Awareness is the first step — prevention is the goal.
Written with the assistance ChatGPT
