What is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month?
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM). This month serves as a way to bring young people and their communities together in a national effort to raise awareness for teen dating violence. Teen dating violence does not just impact teens, but parents, teachers, friends, and communities as well. By working together, we can raise awareness and promote safe, healthy relationships for young people.
What is the impact?
Every year, millions of teens experience dating violence in the United States:
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Up to 19% of teens experience sexual or physical dating violence
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About 50% face stalking or harassment
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As many as 65% report being psychologically abused
The 2024 Theme
Each year, the love is respect Youth Council chooses a theme for the TDVAM. This year’s theme is “Love Like That,” which is meant to uplift positive, healthy relationships by defining what “that” looks like for teens. “Love Like That” calls us all to show love in healthy ways.
What can I do to help raise awareness this month?
Here are some activities you can do to help raise awareness this month.
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Talk to the teens in your life about Teen Dating Violence so they can recognize the signs of abuse.
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love is respect has created a 2024 TDVAM Action Guide that is filled with resources and information you can use to share the message of healthy love!
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Talk about how the media portrays healthy and unhealthy relationships. (For example, many popular movies, TV shows, and books portray stalking as romantic or harmless when it is actually very dangerous).
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Read our recent blog, 10 Signs of a Healthy Relationship.
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Continue to advocate for comprehensive sex and relationship education by supporting the Healthy Youth Act!
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Follow us on social media to keep up to date on Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month!
