Love is Respect

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. This is an issue that impacts everyone - not just teens - but their parents, teachers, friends and communities. We have the power to address this serious issue, together. We can do this by promoting safe, healthy relationships through conversation and programming.

Did you know?

26% of women and 15% of men experience intimate and partner violence for the first time before age 18.
About 1 in 11 female teens and 1 in 15 male teens reported experiencing physical dating violence in the past year.
1 in 3 dating college students has given a dating partner their computer, email, or social network passwords and these students are more likely to experience digital dating abuse.
81% of parents believe teen dating violence is not an issue or admit they don't know if it is an issue.

Question and Conversation Prompts

Here are some questions to guide a casual conversation with adolescents, friends, trusted-adults, or within program facilitation.

What is the culture like at your school in regards to dating? What would you change?
What is your opinion about sexting? What is uncool to do? What is acceptable?
When do you feel safest, healthiest, and most supported in your close relationships (dating or otherwise)? What can those people do to encourage those positive feelings? What can you do?
Has there been a time when you felt disrespected by a significant other, online or offline? How did you respond?
What is it like for you when you notice that a friend's significant other is not treating them well? What do you do?