February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM), a time to raise awareness about the realities of dating abuse among youth, and to empower teens with the knowledge and resources to foster healthy relationships.
When we think of intimate partner violence, we typically think about how it impacts adults, but it’s important to remember that dating violence also affects teens. Unfortunately, this issue is often dismissed as “young love,” a mindset that can leave survivors feeling unheard and unsupported. According to Love is Respect, 1 in 3 teens in the United States will experience abuse from a relationship before turning 18.
Teen dating violence is a serious problem that can take many forms. Understanding different types of abuse can help us identify unhealthy relationships, and take action to support survivors. Forms of intimate partner violence can include:
- Physical Abuse: Hitting, kicking, pushing, slapping, or throwing objects.
- Emotional Abuse: Insults, manipulation, gaslighting, or belittling.
- Sexual Abuse: Pressuring or coercing someone into unwanted sexual activity. This could include pressuring a partner for sex, sending unwanted explicit messages or photos, or using guilt or threats to gain control over someone. Teens need to understand the importance of consent and how to recognize what constitutes sexual abuse in relationships.
- Digital Abuse: Abuse can happen both in-person and online. Digital abuse may include actions like demanding access to a partner’s social media accounts, sending hurtful messages, or using technology to stalk or control a partner. This type of abuse can be especially harmful because online and over the phone, abusers can have access to a survivor 24/7.
Raising awareness about teen dating violence is essential for many reasons. First, it helps teens recognize red flags in relationships. Many teens may not even realize they’re in an abusive relationship. Educating teens on what healthy relationships look like is key to helping them recognize abusive situations. Open conversations about abuse helps break the silence. Too many teens stay silent about their experiences due to fear or shame. By talking openly about dating violence, we can create a supportive environment where teens feel safe to speak up without fear of judgment or retribution. Awareness also provides access to crucial resources, like Safe Passage. Safe Passage offers confidential support, including hotlines, counseling, emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and more. Awareness can encourage active bystander intervention. When friends, family members, or classmates are aware of the signs of abuse, they can step in and offer support to a someone who may be struggling. Showing teens that it’s okay to speak up and support each other is an important part of creating a community where abuse is not tolerated.
This year’s TDVAM theme is “Respect That,” chosen by Love is Respect. They chose this theme because respect should not just be a vague idea—but an action and a mindset. Respecting someone means treating them with dignity, listening to how they feel, respecting their boundaries, and valuing their autonomy. In a healthy relationship, both partners are able to communicate openly, listen to each other, and work together to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence.
You might be asking yourself, how can I get involved? Luckily, there are many ways to get involved and help make a difference in the lives of teens experiencing dating violence. Here are a few steps you can take:
- Start the Conversation: One of the most powerful ways to get involved is by starting the conversation about healthy versus unhealthy relationships. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, coach, or family, it’s essential to create a safe space for teens to talk about their experiences. Ask open-ended questions and listen without judgement. Encouraging teens to express their feelings and concerns can help them identify red flags in their relationships.
- Share Resources: Organizations like Safe Passage offer valuable support for teens and their families. We provide confidential counseling, crisis intervention, and education about teen dating violence. Sharing these resources with the young adults in your life ensures they have the tools they need to seek help when necessary.
- Advocate for Change: Advocate for the inclusion of relationship education programs in local schools. Programs like Erin’s Law, which teaches about consent, boundaries, and recognizing abuse, are vital to empower teens to navigate relationships safely. By pushing for educational programs that address dating violence, you’re helping to create a future where all teens have the knowledge and skills to build healthy relationships.
- Support Local Events: Safe Passage hosts many survivor-centered events to raise awareness about abuse. Events like Take Back the Night, Walk A Mile, and our Survivor Speak Out provide a platform for survivors to share their stories, raise awareness, and support one another. Supporting these events not only helps survivors feel heard, but it also sends a message that our community will not tolerate abuse.
Every one of us has a role to play in supporting teens and empowering them to make healthy choices in their relationships. Let’s break the silence, support survivors, and work together to ensure that all teens can experience love that is safe, supportive, and respectful.
Written by: Kirsti McNeece
