February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM).
Preventing abuse and exploitation is central to the work of My Sisters' Place, and a critical part of our mission to end domestic violence and human trafficking.
In 1981, recognizing the need to reach out to directly engage young people on issues such as teen dating violence, rape culture, and consent, MSP established the Domestic Violence Education and Prevention Program (DVEP).
MSP’s DVEP community educators provide specialized programming that reaches young people, caregivers, and youth-serving adults. Our programs are thoughtful, engaging, well-researched, and tailored to their audience, helping participants of all backgrounds to identify abuse and learn how to establish and maintain healthy relationships.
What is Dating Abuse?
Dating abuse is an intentional pattern of behaviors, that seeks to exert power and control over a dating partner. It can include physical, sexual, or emotional violence. Teens are particularly vulnerable to experiencing intimate partner violence. In the US alone, 1 in 3 teens experience abuse from a romantic partner before they are 18. Despite these high numbers, it’s estimated that only 10% of teens report physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner, and significantly fewer report other forms of abuse.
What is TDVAM?
Launched in 2010, Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) creates an opportunity to raise awareness about the prevalence of abuse in dating relationships, and to share information and resources. Spreading awareness helps protect teens from abusive relationships and provides resources for those in violent situations.
TDVAM is also an opportunity to discuss issues such as consent, boundaries, and communication, with the goal of preparing young people to engage in healthy and fulfilling dating relationships.
As we know, abuse thrives in silence, but during February we can raise our voices in support of the teens in our community! You can be active in showing your support by:
- following MSP on social media,
- wearing orange (orange is the color of TDVAM) and taking a picture of yourself or even your pet and post with the hashtag #TDVAM24 and tag MSP
- Get involved in our community
- Learn more here
If You Need Help
If you are a caregiver, coach, teacher, or someone who works with teens, there are many things you can do to show your support. It’s important to talk to the teens in your life about healthy relationships in an open and honest manner. Listen to their concerns and answer their questions without judgement. For help with starting these difficult conversations, check out our resource page here.
Throughout the month, there will be many TDVAM there are so many ways to show your support during February and beyond. We are here for you, reach out and we can explore the many ways we can partner together, including speaking to your class, team, or community group. We offer many different presentations and workshops designed to educate teens on healthy relationships.
For more information on MSP’s Education and Prevention Program click here or email dvepstaff@mspny.org.
If you or someone you know experiencing abuse in an intimate relationship, support is available.
24/7 MSP Hotline:
1-800-298-7233 (SAFE)
Text or Chat with MSP:
mspny.org/connect-now
914-600-42 08
(Available Monday-Saturday 10am-10pm)