Breaking the Silence: Empowering Teens Against Dating Violence This February
February marks National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM), a crucial time to address an often overlooked issue. Teen relationships and the potential harm within them are frequently not taken as seriously as adult relationship abuse. However, teens are particularly vulnerable as they're still developing their sense of self and forming ideas about healthy relationships.
The Impact of Teen Dating Violence
Teen dating violence affects everyone, regardless of race, gender, age, sexuality, or identity. However, it's essential to recognize that marginalized communities face unique challenges:
BIPOC youth, especially Black teens, often face disproportionate discipline from schools and law enforcement.
LGBTQ+ youth may lack safe adults for support and experience increased isolation.
Undocumented youth or those with undocumented families may fear further investigation.
English language learners may encounter additional communication barriers.
Trans teens report alarmingly high rates of dating violence: physical (89%), sexual coercion (61%), emotional abuse (59%), and cyber harassment (56%).
Addressing these issues requires an intersectional approach that acknowledges the additional barriers marginalized youth face in accessing resources and support.
Understanding Teen Dating Violence
Teen dating violence manifests in four main forms:
Physical Violence: Hurting or attempting to hurt a partner through physical force.
Sexual Violence: Forcing or attempting to force non-consensual sexual acts, including non-physical events like sexting.
Psychological Aggression: Using verbal or non-verbal communication to harm or control a partner emotionally.
Stalking: Repeated, unwanted attention causing fear for one's safety or the safety of others.
Increasingly, these behaviors occur online and via social media. It's crucial to recognize that digital abuse, such as location tracking, password sharing, or cyberbullying, can be just as harmful as in-person violence.
The Power and Control Wheel helps showcase what actions are associate with different forms of abuse.
Prevention and Education
The YWCA's Prevention program aims to promote social norms supporting healthy relationships. By focusing on youth, we can effectively prevent violence before it starts. Our program teaches:
Healthy relationship dynamics
Consent and boundaries
Anti-oppression strategies
For more information, visit our Prevention page or follow us on Instagram.
This chart features healthy, unhealthy, and abusive relationship characteristics and is part of the middle school and high school curriculum in Healthy Relationships Groups.
Taking Action
Building safer, healthier communities is a collective responsibility. Here's how you can contribute:
Attend Our Events:
We're hosting two events at the end of the month for both youth and supportive adults. On February 18 you can join our “Navigating Healthy Relationships for Queer Youth” event or on February 27 we invite educators, parents/guardians, and those working with youth to a skills session for supporting LGBTQ+ Youth.
RSVP on our events pages.
YWCA Clark County’s Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month events are free!
Educate Yourself:
Check out these recommended books from FVRL:For Youth:
"Let's Talk About Body, Boundaries, Consent & Respect" by Jayneen Sanders
"Consent (for Kids!): Boundaries, Respect, and Being in Charge of YOU" by Rachel Brian
Yes! No! – A First Conversation About Consent by Megan Madison
"The Book of Radical Answers" by Sonya Renee Taylor
For Adults:
"Yes, Your Kid" by Debby Herbenick, PhD
"My Body Belongs to Me: A Parent's Guide" by Elizabeth Schroeder
Out of harm’s way: A Parent’s Guide to Keeping Kids Safe from Sexual Abuse -- Sandy K. Wurtele
Parenting with PTSD by Dawn Daum & Joyelle Brand
"Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World" by Devorah Heitner
By understanding, preventing, and addressing teen dating violence, we can create a safer environment for all young people to thrive in their relationships and beyond.