Teen Dating Violence Prevention Month is a national effort to raise awareness about abuse in teen and 20-something relationships and promote programs that prevent it during the month of February.  According to the CDC, teen dating violence is defined as the physical, sexual, psychological, or emotional violence within a dating relationship, including stalking. It can occur in person or electronically and might occur between a current or former dating partner.

Dating violence is widespread with serious long-term and short-term effects, including many that we have identified in our research, including depression, anxiety, body image concerns, eating disturbances, and increased risk for suicidal ideation and attempts. According to a 2013 survey, approximately 10% of high school students reported physical victimization and 10% reported sexual victimization from a dating partner in the 12 months before they were surveyed.

To learn more about what you can do to prevent dating violence or to help someone you suspect may be involved in an unhealthy relationship, please visit loveisrespect.org