February Is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

AUSTIN, Texas – During February’s Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, domestic violence and youth advocacy organizations are inviting Americans to work together to prevent dating abuse through the #1Thing campaign. Studies show one in three high school students experience physical and/or sexual violence by someone they are dating. 

Data shows that dating violence is experienced by nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide each year and nearly half (43%) of all college women and one third (28%) of college men report having experienced either abuse or controlling behaviors in a dating relationship. 

“Dating violence is an epidemic that is 100% preventable. We need to support our teens with education about dating violence prevention,” says Katie Ray-Jones, CEO of The National Domestic Violence Hotline and its project loveisrespect. “If every teen can understand just one more thing, we can prevent dating abuse.”

Throughout the month, participants are encouraged to engage others on social media using #1Thing and download the #1Thing Action Guide.

“With 1 in 3 teens experiencing dating violence, it is clear that all teens are at risk,” says Katie Ray-Jones. “We want everyone to come together to promote messages highlighting the differences between healthy, unhealthy, and abusive relationships.”

Follow #TDVAM2020 and #1Thing to join the conversation.

loveisrespect.org is a project of The National Domestic Violence Hotline. Its purpose is to engage, educate and empower young people to prevent and end abusive relationships.

Advocates provide support through online chat at loveisrespect.org, text loveis to 22522* or call 1-866-331-9474, 24/7/365.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline relies on the generous support of individuals, private gifts from corporations, foundations, and federal grants.

It is funded in part by Grant Number 90EV0426 from the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Family and Youth Services Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.