FEBRUARY IS TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

In the United States, up to 19% of teens experience sexual or physical dating violence, about half face stalking or harassment, and as many as 65% report being psychologically abused (“Teen Dating Violence,” Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, U.S. Department of Justice, 2022).

Romantic relationships are a common part of adolescence. However, not all relationships are healthy.  Teen dating violence covers many abusive relationship behaviors, including physical and sexual violence, psychological aggression, and stalking by current or past romantic partners. It can take place in person, online, or through other technology.

Signs of teen dating violence can include:

• Telling a partner who they can or cannot hang out with or follow on social media
• Looking through messages on a partners' phone without permission
• Inconsistent school attendance
• Sudden request to change a class schedule or lunch hour
• Constant worrying about making a partner angry
• Joking about a partner's violent behavior or temper (US Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs)

Talk to your teens about healthy, safe relationships.  For more information on teen dating violence and available resources, please visit www.loveisrespect.org, ojp.gov/feature/teen-dating-violence/overview or contact the Fluvanna Victim/Witness Assistance Program at 434-591-1985.