Teen Dating Violence
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Since 2010, community organizations have used this month to highlight the benefits of healthy relationships and friendships and spread awareness about the effects of teen dating violence. Youth have a right to healthy relationships, resources, and information about teen dating violence. In recognition of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, the Shelter has planned events to help get teens and parents involved in the discussion.
2022 Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month Events
February 2 at 7pm: Presentation to the William Monroe High School PTO
February 3 at 3pm: Online Workshop - Healthy Relationships 101, discuss the spectrum of relationships and how to help a friend/family member
February 7 at 3pm: Conflict Resolution, discuss communication styles and how to be assertive
February 8: Wear Orange Day, wear orange in support of raising awareness against Teen Dating Violence
Febuary 21 at 3pm: Healthy Relationships Without a Label, discuss how to establish healthy boundaries in relationships that are new, undefined, or still developing
February 22 at 6pm: Violence Against Women, Children, and Men panel discussion, Betty Queen Center in Louisa County
February 27 at 5pm: Wintersongs, a virtual concert featuring young women choirs from local middle and high schools, benefitting the Shelter for Help in Emergency. Watch the Shelter's Facebook page for details.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
1.5 million teens experience dating abuse of some form each year. Only 33% ask for help.
Dating abuse is a pattern of physically, verbally, emotionally, and/or sexually abusive behavior used by one individual to maintain power and control over the other.
Healthy relationships are based on trust, respect, and support!
You have the right to:
- Be respected by others.
- Say no when you don’t want to do something.
- Talk openly about your feelings.
- Be heard.
- Make you own decisions.
- Have your own opinion.
- A happy, healthy, and equal relationship.
You have the right to be in a happy, healthy relationship!
Emotional Abuse:
Violates Your Privacy:
Peer Pressure:
Harassment:

Isolation:
Intimidation:
Threats:
Humiliation:
For Teens
No one deserves to be abused. Remember everyone is responsible for their own behavior. It’s not your fault and you can’t change the behavior of your dating partner. It is important to ask for help from a trusted adult and develop a plan to keep you safe.
If you suspect your friend might be in an abusive relationship you can help by:
- Talking to them about it in private.
- Listening without judgment.
- Offering to go with them to tell a trusted adult such as a counselor, teacher, or parent.
- Describing behaviors and actions that concern you.
- Allowing your friend to make her or his own decisions and remaining supportive even if you disagree with their choices.
- Offering support even if you feel that it isn’t helping.
It is important to remember to try not to have all the answers. Don’t pressure your friend into making any decisions. Never confront their dating partner about the situation.
For Parents
Some early warning signs your teen may be in an abusive relationship include:
- Frequent apologies for their partner’s behavior, or casually speaking about their “hot temper” while laughing it off.
- Spends less time with family and friends while time spent with their dating partner increases.
- Changes in your teen’s personality such as exhibiting signs of depression, nervousness, becoming secretive or uncharacteristically emotional.
- Shows a lack of interest in activities or hobbies they once loved.
- A drop in grades or attendance in school.
- Unexplained bruises or scratches; when asked about them they change the subject.
- Change in appearance and the way they normally dress.
- Displays timid behavior when their dating partner is near.
As a parent, there are things you can do to help your teen if you suspect they may be in an abusive relationship. It is important to listen to your teen without interruption or judgment towards their dating partner. Your teen may still have strong feelings for their dating partner despite the abuse. If it is too difficult for them to talk with you about their relationship, help them identify someone they may feel more comfortable with. If the abuse (verbal, emotional, physical) escalates, contact school officials or the police.
For more information about teen dating violence and how to help your teen, please call the Shelter for Help in Emergency’s Community Outreach Center at (434) 963-4676.