Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month: Empowering the Next Generation
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (#TDVAM)—a time to shine a light on an issue that affects millions of young people and to reaffirm our commitment to prevention, education, and support.
Teen dating violence is more common than many realize. It can include physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, or digital abuse, and often begins with behaviors that are easy to dismiss—jealousy, controlling actions, constant monitoring, or put-downs disguised as jokes. Without education and awareness, these behaviors can escalate and follow young people into adulthood.
At YWCA North Central Indiana, we believe prevention starts with education. When young people understand what healthy relationships look like, they are better equipped to recognize red flags, set boundaries, and seek help when something doesn’t feel right.
What Is Teen Dating Violence?
Teen dating violence occurs in relationships between young people, typically ages 12–18, and can happen in person or online. Abuse doesn’t always leave visible marks. Emotional manipulation, isolation from friends, threats, or pressure to share passwords or locations are all forms of abuse.
Because teens are still learning about relationships, many may not recognize these behaviors as unhealthy—or may believe they are normal. That’s why education is critical.
Why Awareness Matters
Awareness saves lives. When we talk openly about teen dating violence, we:
Help young people recognize warning signs early
Normalize conversations about consent, respect, and boundaries
Reduce stigma around asking for help
Empower peers, parents, educators, and community members to intervene safely
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month is not just about highlighting the problem—it’s about providing solutions and hope.
The Role of Prevention and Education
Preventative education plays a major role in ending domestic and dating violence. Teaching youth what healthy relationships look like—mutual respect, trust, communication, and equality—lays the foundation for safer futures.
Through age-appropriate, engaging lessons, young people can learn:
How to communicate their boundaries
What consent really means
How to support a friend who may be experiencing abuse
Where to find trusted resources and support
These skills don’t just help teens today—they carry into adulthood, helping to break cycles of violence for future generations.
YWCA North Central Indiana’s Take Charge Program
YWCA North Central Indiana’s Take Charge Program is dedicated to empowering youth of all ages through education focused on healthy relationships, personal safety, and prevention of dating and domestic violence.
By partnering with schools and community organizations, Take Charge provides interactive presentations and programming that meet young people where they are—giving them the tools, language, and confidence to make safe, informed choices.
We are proud to invest in preventative education because we know that lasting change begins before violence occurs.
How You Can Help
Ending teen dating violence is a community effort. You can help by:
Talking with the young people in your life about healthy relationships
Listening without judgment if a teen shares concerns
Sharing trusted resources and information
Supporting organizations that provide education and survivor services
If you’re an educator, parent, or community partner interested in bringing prevention education to your school or organization, we encourage you to connect with us.
Take Charge of the Future
This Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, let’s commit to empowering the next generation with knowledge, confidence, and support. Together, we can create a future where every young person feels safe, respected, and valued in their relationships.
To learn more about YWCA North Central Indiana’s Take Charge Program, visit
https://www.ywcancin.org/take-charge
Because prevention matters—and education is power. 🧡
