February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month
- Jess, Lawyer Mystery Maven
- Feb 6
- 2 min read
Did you know that:
1 in 3 teens and young adults will encounter some form of dating abuse?
Young women between the ages of 16 and 24 experience three times the national average of intimate partner violence?
43% of all college women report violent and/or abusive dating behaviors?
About half of all teens report experiencing stalking or harassment?
Only 9% of teens in abusive relationships report the abuse to authorities, and only 33% tell anyone the abuse is occurring?
These statistics are only a handful of the concerning surveys and studies* relating to intimate partner violence (IPV) that occurs in teen dating. Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month provides an opportunity to focus in on education, awareness and prevention of dating violence.
As adults, we can become more aware of some of the indicators that teen dating abuse is occurring, since only thirty-three percent of teens tell anyone. Some of the behaviors affiliated with abusers include controlling behavior, verbal and physical abuse, isolation from family and friends, excessive calls and texts and threats of harm to themself or towards a victim. The victim may become withdrawn, isolated, depressed, stop engaging in hobbies or in friendships or act fearful of their partner. Such examples are not exhaustive, but can help parents, friends, mentors and teachers have a heightened awareness of some of the signs that may suggest abuse.
We can also help teens by encouraging and providing safe spaces for conversation, as well as knowing where to get help. Luckily, there are many resources available to both teens and adults. On the local level, school counselors, crisis centers and Title IX offices/officials may provide help, and there are numerous national resources too. Some of these options include:
Love Is Respect- The Teen Dating Abuse Hotline
National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233
Break The Cycle
National LGBTQ Institute on Intimate Partner Violence
National Resource Center on Domestic Violence
1-800-799-7233
One Love Foundation
Peer Advocate: 1-866-9474
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
U.S. Dept of Education: Educators Supporting Students
See e.g.; Wishniewska, M.J. (Sept 14, 2024) Teen Dating Violence Statistics 2024: Break the Cycle. https://www.breakthecycle.org/teen-dating-violence-statistics/
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