Throughout National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, join us in raising awareness about teen dating violence and the importance of healthy relationships.

Teen dating violence includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological aggression, and stalking. It can occur in person or electronically (e.g., online or via text messages). Teen dating violence can impact both women and men. Research indicates that 26% of women and 15% of men have experienced intimate partner violence before age 18.  

Recognizing the characteristics of healthy and unhealthy dating relationships, and how to get out of an abusive one, is important for healthy adolescent development. Youth who are victims of dating violence are more likely to participate in risky behaviors, such as tobacco and alcohol use. Teen dating violence survivors are also more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and thoughts of suicide.

Show your support:

• Know the warning signs of unhealthy relationships and test your knowledge at loveisrespect.org.
• Check out the Centers for Disease and Prevention's new teen dating violence prevention model, Dating Matters: Strategies to Promote Healthy Teen Relationships. 
• Use the #TeenDVMonth hashtag on soical media to join the online conversation throughout Febraury. 

Get help or report abuse:

• National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: 1-866-331-9474
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
• National Runaway Safeline Hotline: 1-800-RUN-AWAY (786-2929)
• Chat with an advocate online.