Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Dating violence is more common than you may think, especially among teens and young adults:  1 in 3 U.S. teens will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they’re in a relationship with before they become adults. And nearly half (43%) of U.S. college women report experiencing violent or abusive dating behaviors.

Each February, young adults and their loved ones across the nation raise awareness about the issue of teen dating violence through Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM). This annual, month-long effort focuses on advocacy and education to stop dating abuse before it starts.

• 1 in 10 high school students has experienced physical violence from a dating partner in the past year.
• 1 in 4 dating teens is abused or harassed online or through texts by their partners.
• Only 4% experience digital abuse and harassment alone. So social media, texts, and e-mails don’t seem to invite new abuse, they just provide abusive partners with a new tool.
• 1 in 3 college women say they have been in an abusive dating relationship.
• 1 in 5 college women has been verbally abused by a dating partner.

We also hear from parents, caregivers and friends that they don’t know how to recognize the signs of abuse and they don’t know how to help when it happens:

• 81% of parents don’t acknowledge that teen dating abuse is a problem.
• 58% of college students say they don’t know what to do to help someone who is a victim of dating abuse.

DVS is supporting our youth, young adults, parents, and caregivers to learn to recognize the “Red Flags” of dating abuse this February. We’ll be using social media to educate youth and caregivers will start conversations about healthy dating and what to do when it’s happening.

Follow us on social media for 28 Days of Red Flags of Dating Abuse.

Facebook | Twitter |  Instagram

Take the Pledge

I pledge:

to respect myself and all relationships-online and in person. I understand that healthy relationships are free from pressure, control, and threats. I will trust my instincts and tell someone I trust if someone disrespects me.

Save the Dates!

February 1 – Announcement & Pledge Day 

Nationally, the month of February is recognized as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. In fact, 1 in 3 high school students reports experiencing physical or sexual violence by a dating partner. Join Domestic Violence Services of Lancaster County in creating awareness for teen dating violence and take a pledge to stand against further acts of dating violence among young people.

February 6-10 is Respect Week 

Respect is a piece of the foundation for any healthy relationship. Healthy relationships are free from control, pressure and harm. With respect, also comes self-respect. Showing respect to yourself and others is a healthy start to any relationship. Join DVS and others this week to see respect in a different way.

• February 7 is Wear Orange Day

 Orange is the color for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. The color orange is used to create and spread awareness about teen dating violence. In fact, one in ten high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend. It is important to spread awareness and knowledge because this can affect our friends, clients, family members, etc. Please join DVS in spreading awareness by wearing the color orange on February 9th. You can share picture and use hashtags #orange4love

February 13 – Touchstone Chats, a Facebook Live event | 12:00 pm

Touchstone Foundation will be holding a Facebook Live discussion with the Domestic Violence Services team about TDVAM.

Find Us in the Community!

Find us in the Community! Visit your local public library for resources and books to discuss with your teens:

• Ephrata Public Library
• Intercourse Library
• Lancaster Public Library – Duke Street
  • Join us live for Preschool Story Hour on February 22 @ 10:15a
• Lancaster Public Library – Duke Street
  • Join us live for Preschool Story Hour on February 21 @ 10:30a
• Mountville   https://lancasterpubliclibrary.org/
  • Join us live for Preschool Story Hour on February 21 @ 10:30a
• Lititz Public Library
• Manheim Township Public Library
• Quarryville Library Center
  • Join us live for Teen Talk on February 17 @ 4-5p

Partner With Us!

Domestic Violence Services (DVS) of Lancaster County continues to offer several different prevention education programs for the high school age level. 

Invite us to talk to your teen/young adult group about dating abuse.

Invite us to talk with your adult friends and other caregivers about supporting youth and young adults who are experiencing dating abuse and how to “talk about it”.

Are you professional working with youth, young adults and/or their parents/caregivers? Invite us to talk with you about supporting the families you’re working with.

Make posters available in your space that speak more directly to teens and young adults.

Prevention Education

DVS collaborates with schools, after-school programs, churches, and youth agencies to offer healthy, non-violent relationship education in the community. Our programs include classes for children, teens, college students, and parents. For more information, click here.

You can also contact Angela Keen, at akeen@caplanc.org. Contact us for printed materials and/or training/education programming: https://caplanc.org/dvsprint/

Share Your Story

Are you a survivor of domestic violence, or the surviving family member of a victim, and want to share your personal story to help advocate for others? Share your story: CLICK HERE.

Resources

You Are Not Alone.

Talk to one of our advocates
Call 24/7 at 717-299-1249 or text SAFE to 61222

About Domestic Violence Services (DVS) of Lancaster County 

DVS is a catalyst to eliminate domestic violence in Lancaster County through direct service, advocacy, and social change. DVS offers 24/7 hotline and text line, emergency shelter, counseling, children’s programming, legal advocacy and representation, and transitional housing. All services are free of charge and strictly confidential. DVS hosts professional trainings and community education and prevention sessions for schools, businesses and community and faith-based organizations. For more information, visit caplanc.org/DVS.

About the Community Action Partnership (CAP) of Lancaster County 

The Community Action Partnership is Lancaster County’s largest anti-poverty organization, helping low-income families move toward financial empowerment. CAP’s service profile interrupts generational poverty with programs that support families and individuals at every age and place in life, in the areas of education and child development, health and nutrition, household stability and safety and empowerment. For more information, visit www.caplanc.org.