February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. The month provides a great opportunity to raise awareness about abuse in teen and young adult relationships and promote programs that prevent it – because dating violence is more common than you might think.

In fact, girls and young women between the ages of 16 and 24 experience the highest rate of intimate partner violence—almost triple the national average—and the rate is even higher for women of color and trans women. These violent relationships have serious consequences for victims, putting them at higher risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual behavior, suicide and adult re-victimization.

Want to help spread the word and stop dating violence in our community?

Respect Week: February 13th-17th
Go to www.loveisrespect.org/resources/teendvmonth/ to get the National Respect Week toolkit. The DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence also sponsoring Respect Week DC during the week, so check out their toolkit for sample social media posts and actions!

Wear Orange for Love: February 14th
Join us in promoting healthy relationships for all young people this February by wearing orange on February 14, 2017 as part of the annual #Orange4Love campaign!

Real Week: February 20th-24th
It’s time to get real about relationships. The good, the bad and everything in between—it’s time to say what’s really on our minds when it comes to teen dating abuse. For more details, go to www.breakthecycle.org/realweek.

Teens Helping Teens: Empowering Young People to Support Each Other: Feb. 23, 4:30 p.m.
Studies show that teens are more likely to go to their friends for help or support. This webinar, aimed at adult allies (educators, parents, youth organizations), will provide information and strategies for teaching young people about healthy relationships and how to support one another. Register here.

Is your organization hosting any events or activities for National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month? Tell us in the comments or email claire@collectiveactiondc org and we’ll spread the word!