How to raise awareness about teen dating violence

Courtesy of Hygiene Matters (via Flickr)

When you hear domestic violence you may not immediately think about teens. But domestic violence occurs in young dating relationships too. In fact, one in three teens experience abuse in their relationships. It’s time to end this cycle.

February is Teen Dating Violence (DV) and Prevention Awareness Month. Teen DV Month is an opportunity to raise awareness and help prevent abuse in our communities. And there are many ways to help.

Here are just a few ways that you can get involved and raise awareness:

• Get advice from an expert on how to tell whether you are in an abusive relationship.
• Learn more about recognizing the early signs of an abusive relationship and what Healthy vs Unhealthy Dating Relationships looks like.
• Find campaigns and activities in your area that help domestic violence organizations and advocates working to prevent teen dating abuse.
• Raise awareness online by using your Facebook, email and Twitter account to spread the word about Teen DV Month and how others can help.

If you or someone you know is in an unhealthy or abusive relationship, there is help available.

• National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: 866-331-9474
• The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)

Along with these hotlines, there are several online resources that provide support and strategies to prevent teen dating violence:

• Love Is Respect: Provides resources and support to teens, parents, friends and family.
• Love is Not Abuse: Information, resources and steps you can take to prevent domestic abuse.
• Break the Cycle: “Empowering youth to end domestic violence.”
• See It and Stop It: Helps teens recognize warning signs of dating violence, and speak out.

Parents: need help talking to your teen about dating violence and abuse? Take a look at these 5 ways to open the lines of communication with your teen.