February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Safe Passage will host events throughout the month to help with understanding teen dating violence and how to recognize warning signs.

(Batesville, Ind.) - February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

Teen dating violence includes physical, psychological or sexual abuse, harassment or stalking of any persons ages 12 to 18.

According to Safe Passage, Inc., nearly a third of teen relationships are characterized as either unhealthy or violent. Indiana ranks third in the country for sexual assaults among youth. 

Understanding what teen dating violence is, why it happens, and what it means for those involved is an important first step in prevention.

• Physical Abuse: hitting, biting, shoving, hair pulling, scratching
• Emotional or Psychological Abuse: name-calling, bullying, shaming, intentionally embarrassing, constant monitoring
• Sexual Abuse: forcing a teen partner to engage in a sexual act against or without their consent
• Stalking: Repeatedly following or harassing a teen partner in a way that causes them reasonable fear for their safety or well-being.

Safe Passage will be hosting free workshops around teen dating violence, warning signs, healthy relationships and self-care on the following dates:

• Monday, February 28 – Foundational Self-care, 1:00-2:30 PM (VIRTUAL)
• Tuesday, March 8 – Talk About It: Healthy Relationships and Teen Dating, 1:00-2:30 PM (VIRTUAL)

You can RSVP for both workshops at www.safepassageprevention.org.

Safe Passage will also host a Valentine’s Day Party on Friday, February 11 from 6:00-7:00 PM. The virtual event will include fun activities and interactive conversations around self-love and a healthy relationship with yourself. All youth are welcome to attend.

For more information, visit www.safepassageinc.org or www.safepassageprevention.org.