Welcome to Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM), a crucial time to shed light on a significant issue affecting 1 in 10 high school students. Teen dating violence refers to physical, emotional, verbal, or digital abuse within a romantic relationship involving teenagers. It can encompass a range of behaviors, from controlling actions to outright physical harm, and often goes unnoticed or unaddressed due to the perception that it’s just “normal” teenage behavior. Teens often can feel that their relationships aren’t taken seriously by adults, which raises barriers for teenagers to reach out for help when the relationship has turned abusive. It’s essential to recognize that any form of abuse is never acceptable, regardless of age, and can have profound and long-lasting effects on young people’s mental and emotional well-being.
TDVAM serves as a platform to educate teens, parents, educators, and communities about the warning signs of dating violence and how to intervene effectively. By fostering open conversations and providing resources and support networks, we can empower young people to recognize unhealthy relationship dynamics and seek help when needed. Through awareness and proactive efforts, we can work together to prevent teen dating violence and promote safer, more respectful relationships among our youth.
How to prevent teen dating violence:
- Look for warning signs: if someone you know starts having multiple injuries, a decrease in motivation, drop in grades, or loss interest in activities could be a result of dating violence.
- Act on warning signs: if you notice warning signs, act on them. Speak to the individual about getting help through talking to an adult or seeking counsel. As well as using resources such as dating violence hotlines.
- Be supportive: it is important for the individual to feel loved and supported, especially when they have been in an abusive relationship.
- Educate: it is important for teens to be educated and understand what teen dating violence is and the impacts it can have on well-being. It is also important for teens to be educated on the resources available if they experience dating violence.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please contact the 24/7 Helpline or visit www.gcadv.org
GA Hotline: 1-800-33HAVEN
National Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE
Breaking Silence Teen Textline: 706-765-8019
Teen Dating Violence Resources:
Georgia Hope
Northeast Georgia Council on Domestic Violence
Partnership Against Domestic Violence
LoveisRespect.org