February is Teen Violence Dating Awareness Month, and NSLAC is dedicated to bringing awareness to this very prevalent issue. Teen dating violence is domestic violence. Teen dating violence is a pattern of behavior that includes physical, emotional, verbal, and/or sexual abuse by one person in an intimate relationship to exert power and control over another. Relationship violence can occur at school — in the hall, in the classroom, in the parking lot, on the bus or in a car, at after-school activities, at a student’s workplace, at a school dance, or at a student’s home. In teenage dating relationships, the abuse is often public with peers witnessing the abuse; however, the abuse can also occur in private.
It is fitting to think of February as a month of love, but what most may not realize is that it is also Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. It is important to educate teens about what is and is not a healthy relationship.
Some signs to watch for include:
- Intensity - a relationship that develops extremely fast
- Control or jealousy
- Changes in Dress
- Drastic behavior changes
- Isolation
- Constant communication with significant other
- Ramifications for not responding in a timely manner
Help to raise awareness about teen dating violence and stop the abuse before it begins. This month we come together to raise awareness through advocacy and education to stop abuse before it starts. Need to know how to talk to your teen? Got questions of your own? Be in touch with NSLAC at info@NSLegalAid.org or 847 737 4042. All inquiries are strictly confidential. Love shouldn't hurt.
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month Initiatives
NSLAC Student Board: Making Digital Awareness Happen
Thank you to the NSLAC Regional Student Board for their continued support and commitment to education and advocacy. This TDVAM, students are launching several initiatives to raise awareness about teen dating violence. Efforts include social media campaigns, and blogs focused on promoting safe and healthy relationships. Keep an eye out for these initiatives on our social media and our NSLAC Legal Library.
NSLAC Student Board: Bingo Fundraiser Challenge
NSLAC’s Regional Student Board is taking their advocacy to their personal social media platforms to fundraise in support of NSLAC’s mission. Funds raised help expand access to free legal aid for individuals and families in our community. Each Bingo square represents a simple action—sharing a post, inviting a donor, or amplifying NSLAC’s mission. Support their efforts HERE.
Additional Resources
Love Is Respect offers 24/7 information, support, and advocacy to young people between the ages of 13 and 26 who have questions or concerns about their romantic relationships. They also offer support to concerned friends and family members, teachers, counselors, and other service providers through the same free and confidential services via phone, text, and live chat. Click HERE to learn more.
NSLAC Blogs
Teen Voices: Understanding and Addressing the Hidden Signs of Teen Dating Violence: As teens, we often lack knowledge on the subject of abuse and do not realize what constitutes an unhealthy relationship. It’s so important to know the signs of dating abuse—because, honestly, we’re all figuring out what relationships are supposed to look like right now.
Understanding and Addressing Teen Dating Violence: A healthy relationship should make us feel good and bring out the best in us and our partners. While the signs of a healthy relationship are often clear, spotting the warning signs of an unhealthy one may not be as straightforward. Read more HERE.