Dating abuse is a pattern of destructive behaviors used to exert
power and control over a dating partner. While we define dating violence as a
pattern, that doesnt mean the first instance of abuse is not dating violence. It
just recognizes that dating violence usually involves a series of abusive
behaviors of a course of time.
Teen dating violence is more common than many people think. One
in three teens in the U.S. will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
by someone they are in a relationship with before they become adults. And
nearly half (43%) of college women report experiencing violent and abusive
dating behaviors.
Every February here at loveisrespect,
we bring awareness to teen dating violence in an effort to stop dating abuse
before it starts.
What is
TDVAM?
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) is held throughout
the month of February as a way to bring together teens and those who support
them in a national effort to raise awareness to teen dating violence.
Organizations and schools across the country organize efforts to raise
awareness every February, creating a movement of passionate, informed
individuals making a difference.
Why
TDVAM?
Every year, we try to think of a new way to build solidarity and
support around teen dating abuse. This year, our theme is #1Thing.
Pronounced One Thing or Hashtag One Thing, this campaign is
focused on meeting teens where they are at. By learning one thing about teen
dating violence and sharing that with a friend, every person can make a
difference. Were starting at square one together to build healthy
relationships from the ground up. By just learning or doing one thing, you can
start a conversation about healthy relationships in your friend circles,
schools, and communities. Everyone has a part in ending dating abuse, even if
that one thing seems small in the moment.
With so many people speaking in one unified voice during the
month of February about teen dating violence, this raises our collective
awareness about this critical issue. Only through collaboration will it be
possible to stop teen dating abuse.
How do I
get involved during TDVAM?
We encourage everyone to get involved and help raise awareness.
We recognize the power that each one of us has in making a difference. You can
visit our landing page to get
access to our action guides for ideas on how to get started!
Follow us on social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram,
tag us in your post, and use the hashtags #1Thing and #TDVAM to show us your
#1Thing that will raise awareness about teen dating violence.
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