This February, we commemorate Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about an important issue that affects teenagers in New York City and across the nation. Not only does teen dating violence affect one in every three adolescents in the United States; did you know...?
- One in 10 high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend.*
- 43% of dating college women report experiencing violent and abusive dating behaviors.*
- Only 33% of teens who were in a violent relationship ever told anyone about the abuse.*
*For citations and more data about the impact of teen dating violence, visit loveisrespect.org.
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Studies have shown that experiencing violence in a relationship during adolescence can have grave long-term consequences, such as putting victims at higher risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual behavior, and further relationship violence. This is why two of the cornerstones of our work here at ENDGBV are prevention and education.
Our Healthy Relationship Training Academy centers young people in our mission to end domestic and gender-based violence. Our Community Educators provide interactive workshops to young people about key topics, such as consent, teen dating violence, and healthy relationships. The Academy also delivers workshops and trainings to parents and professionals working with young people, about how to discuss relationships, spotting warning signs of intimate partner violence, and being a resource and an ally to young people.
When we consider that 82% of parents feel confident that they could recognize the signs if their child was experiencing dating abuse, yet 58% could not correctly identify all the warning signs of abuse, it’s clear that we must seize every opportunity to spark dialogue about healthy (and unhealthy) relationship behaviors, and to spread awareness for warning signs of relationship violence, and how to recognize them—among youth, parents, and those working with youth.
In addition to raising awareness, ENDGBV also builds strategic partnerships and support for survivors, highlighting the resources available in New York City, and collaborating with sister agencies and community partners to identify innovative approaches for preventing dating abuse, building foundations for healthy relationships, and making services even more accessible. |
