by loveisrespect and breakthecycle

Throughout the month of February, teens and organizations across the country will be working together to raise awareness about teen dating violence. And what an great month to focus on healthy relationships with Valentine’s Day just around the corner!

Did you know?

• 1 in 3 teens in the U.S. is the victim of physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal abuse by a dating partner, a figure that far exceeds other types of youth violence including bullying.
• Girls and young women between the ages of 16 and 24 experience the highest rate of intimate partner violence (almost triple the national average).
• Violent relationships in adolescence can have serious ramifications by putting victims at higher risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual behaviors, and further domestic violence.

Want to get involved? Help us raise awareness by participating in these events:

February 4th – Love=Boundaries Twitter chat at 2pm (CST/3p.m.EST)

February 8th-12th – Respect Week, hosted by the National Youth Advisory Board. Download this Respect Week Guide for activity ideas, and share what you are doing on social media using the hashtag #RespectWeek2016

February 9th – WearOrange4Love! Get your friends and family to wear orange and show support for healthy relationships. Join the Facebook event, and post pics with the hashtag #orange4love

February 12th – Read the National Respect Announcement at your schoolor to your organization. Join the Thunderclap to help spread the word about healthy relationships on social media!

February 18th – Looking Deeper at Boundaries Twitter chat at 6p.m. (CST/7p.m.EST)

February 25th – Join loveisrespect and Break the Cycle for a webinar, “The New Normal,” which will explore current dating trends and cultural and social norms from a young person’s perspective. Register here!