What is TDAVM?  

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month – TDVAM. This month is dedicated to a national effort to raise awareness to teen dating violence. Dating violence or abuse can look different in different relationships, but at its core, it is a pattern of destructive behaviors used to exert power and control over a dating partner.  

Why is TDVAM important?  

Like domestic violence, dating violence is all too common. One in three teens in the United States will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse by someone they are in a relationship with. And nearly half (43%) of college women report experiencing violent and abusive dating behaviors. Dating violence is so pervasive that it’s imperative to promote awareness and educate to prevent it from happening in the first place. 

#1Thing  

Loveisrespect.org is the hub of resources around empowering youth and preventing dating violence. This year, their theme for TDVAM is #1Thing – what is one thing you can do to get involved and help raise awareness about teen dating violence and stop the cycles of power and control? Visit their website to learn more!