Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month: What Every Teen (and Adult) Should Know
Empowering Teens to Build Healthy, Violence-Free Relationships
Understanding dating violence is the first step to preventing it.
Request a Presentation
SAFE offers free educational presentations to schools, youth organizations, and community groups throughout Southeast Louisiana.
To schedule a Teen Dating Violence Prevention presentation:
📧 Email: info@safelouisiana.org
📞 Call: 985-542-8384
We'll work with you to customize the session to meet your group's needs and schedule.
Resources & Support
If you or someone you know is experiencing dating violence, help is available 24/7.
SAFE Crisis Hotline: 985-542-8384 (Free & Confidential)
National DV Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741741
For immediate danger, call 911.
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM), a time to shine a light on an issue that impacts far too many young people, and to equip our community with the knowledge to prevent it.
Many teens experience dating violence long before they recognize it for what it is. Education, early intervention, and open conversations are key to helping teens build healthy, respectful relationships and know where to turn for help.
The Reality: Teen Dating Violence Is More Common Than You Think
Teen dating violence can affect anyone, regardless of gender, background, or socioeconomic status.
1 in 3 teens in the U.S. will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they are dating
Many teens do not report abuse because they may feel embarrassed, afraid, or unsure if what they're experiencing "counts"
Early unhealthy relationship patterns can continue into adulthood if not addressed
Teen dating violence is not just about physical harm. It often begins with emotional control, manipulation, or digital abuse—and can escalate over time.
What Is Teen Dating Violence?
Teen dating violence is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another in a dating relationship. It can happen in person or online.
It may include:
Emotional or verbal abuse
Controlling behaviors
Digital abuse (constant texting, monitoring social media, demanding passwords)
Sexual pressure or coercion
Physical harm
Abuse can occur in both serious relationships and casual dating situations. What matters is how someone treats you, not how long you've been together.
What Healthy Relationships Look Like
Healthy relationships—at any age—are built on respect, trust, and communication. Teens deserve relationships that feel safe and supportive.
A healthy relationship includes:
Mutual respect for boundaries
Open and honest communication
Trust without constant checking or control
Support for friendships, goals, and independence
The ability to disagree without fear or intimidation
Healthy love should never feel scary, exhausting, or controlling.
Red Flags Teens (and Adults) Should Watch For
Recognizing warning signs early can help prevent abuse from escalating. Red flags may include:
Extreme jealousy or possessiveness
Constant texting or pressure to respond immediately
Isolation from friends or family
Monitoring social media or demanding passwords
Name-calling, insults, or humiliation
Pressuring someone to do things they're uncomfortable with
Blaming the other person for their anger or behavior
If something feels wrong, it's worth paying attention to that feeling.
Supporting Teen Mental Health During Difficult Times
If your teen is experiencing relationship stress or abuse, professional support can make a crucial difference. Many teens benefit from speaking with a trained counselor who specializes in adolescent relationships and trauma.
Reach out to someone in your area or one of the online providers to give yourself or your teen access to the vital help they need.
How We Can Prevent Teen Dating Violence
Prevention starts with education and conversation—at home, in schools, and in the community.
Ways to help prevent teen dating violence:
Talk openly with teens about healthy relationships
Normalize conversations about boundaries and consent
Teach teens that respect and safety are non-negotiable
Encourage teens to trust their instincts
Share resources and support options early, not only during a crisis
At SAFE, we believe education is prevention. When teens have the language to describe unhealthy behavior, they are better equipped to protect themselves and others.
Safety Planning for Teens and Families
If you're concerned about a teen in an unhealthy or dangerous relationship, having a safety plan is essential. Our safety planning toolkit includes:
How to recognize escalation warning signs
Steps to take if you need to leave quickly
Digital safety strategies (protecting accounts, privacy settings)
Trusted adults and resources to contact
Scripts for difficult conversations
Resources for Teens and Families
If you or someone you know needs support, SAFE is here to help.
SAFE offers:
24/7 free and confidential hotline
Safety planning and crisis intervention
Individual and group support for teens and families
Community education and prevention presentations
You are not alone, and help is available.
SAFE Hotline: 985-542-8384
Learn more or request a presentation: [SAFE website link]
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
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