Health and Fitness : Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Every year during the month of February, victim service providers and community advocates work together to spread awareness for teen dating violence. According to loveisrespect.org, 1 in 3 teens in the U.S. will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from an intimate partner before they become adults. When college age students are examined, "nearly half (43%) of those who identify as college women report experiencing violent and abusive dating behaviors."

As technology changes and advances, digital abuse becomes more prevalent. Love Is Respect defines digital abuse as "the use of technologies like texting and social media to bully, harass, stalk, or intimate a partner" (2021). With the COVID-19 health pandemic, teens are more at risk for digital abuse as they are isolated from in-person interaction with friends and family and most of our lives take place online.

Waypoint believes that education and access to resources is key to preventing abuse and unhealthy relationships, which is why we focus on raising awareness during National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. If we can educate the community about the signs of dating violence and available resources for support, we can empower those experiencing dating violence to reach out for help and know that they are not alone. We can also encourage everyone to believe that they deserve a healthy, happy relationship.

What resources are available?

Organizations like Waypoint offer several resources to individuals who may be experiencing an unhealthy relationship:

* 24/7 Resource & Support Line (1.800.208.0388 or 319.363.2093)

* Individual counseling

* Support groups

* Safety planning

* Fleeing assistance

* Medical advocacy

* Legal advocacy

How you can make a difference?

1. Learn about healthy relationships and the signs of an unhealthy relationship

2. Learn about available resources available in case you or someone you know needs support

3. Share information from Waypoint and other advocacy organizations on social media - use the hashtags #TDVAM21 and #KnowYourWorth

4. Start a conversation about healthy relationships

5. Reach out to friends if you notice anything that concerns you - listen and provide non-judgmental support