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Swipe Left on Teen Dating Violence this Teen DV Month

February 1, 2017

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month – learn more about teen dating violence and ways to get involved!

First loves are often exciting and nerve-wracking all at the same time. Whether in middle school, high school, college, or beyond, navigating a romantic relationship for the first time can be challenging and confusing. Are we fighting too much? Are we hanging out too much? Are these feelings normal? It is hard to make these distinctions, especially because all relationships are different. Unfortunately, for too many youth, this first glimpse into romantic partnerships is one that includes abuse.

One in three teens in the United States has experienced some form of abuse by a dating partner, culminating in 1.5 million teens experiencing dating abuse annually. This February, along with raising awareness about its prevalence, the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) is working to end and prevent teen dating violence.

Similar to other forms of domestic abuse, dating violence is characterized by a pattern of abuse that is used to gain and exert power and control over a partner. Abusive tactics generally become more frequent and more dangerous over time.

Dating violence comes in many forms, including physical, emotional, verbal, and sexual abuse, and looks different in every case. Abuse may take place in person or through technology, such as sending harassing messages through an app or over social media.

An abusive partner may use their partner’s identity against them. For example, an abuser may threaten to “out” a partner or disclose a partner’s immigration status. Dating violence can have serious consequences for victims, increasing their likelihood of experiencing depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts.

Get Informed:

Raise Awareness:

  • February 14 is Wear Orange Day. Post your orange pictures with the hashtags #Orange4Love and #RespectWeek2017.

Make Your Voice Heard: