Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, observed in February, is a time to increase awareness of teen dating violence and spur advocacy on behalf of those who have suffered the emotional and physical burden of teen dating violence. It is also an important time to increase education about this social problem and educate parents about what they can do to help prevent teen dating violence and abuse.

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month highlights that the most important thing a parent can do is keep the lines of communication open with their kids. In addition, a parent can be a role model for good relationship behavior. This includes treating their kids and others with respect, talking to their children about healthy relationships, and becoming involved in efforts to prevent dating violence in school.

What Is the Impact of Teen Dating Violence?

Nationwide, youth age 12 to 19 experience the highest rates of rape and sexual assault. Studies show that approximately 10% of adolescents report being the victim of physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner during the previous year. Girls are particularly vulnerable to experiencing violence in their relationships and are more likely to suffer long-term behavioral and health consequences, including suicide attempts, eating disorders, and drug use. Adolescents in abusive relationships often carry these unhealthy patterns of violence into future relationships. Indeed, children who are victimized or witness violence frequently bring this experience with them to the playground, the classroom, later into teen relationships and, ultimately, they can end up the victims and perpetrators of adult intimate partner violence.

During Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month (TDVAM), help break the cycle of violence by providing support to victims, their families and their communities.

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