Beyond Valentine’s Day, February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month

As we all know, February is home to Black History Month, Valentine’s Day and President’s Day, but beyond that, February is also Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. While this past year has seen the media fixated on stories of domestic violence among adults, we rarely acknowledge that it’s happening among our youth as well. In fact, 18 and 19 year olds comprise the group with the highest rates of stalking. In the United States alone, about 1 in 3 adolescent girls are victims of physical, emotional and/or verbal abuse from a dating or intimate partner.

Most people aren’t aware that women who end up in abusive relationships were often young girls in abusive relationships. They have been conditioned to believe that minor things like name-calling, excessive calling or texting or a slight nudge or push were no big deals. Then, they soon found out how quickly these things can escalate. In turn, this sets these young women on a path toward other abusive relationships in their lives. However, subsequent relationships can often escalate and get more and more violent as time goes on.

These facts not only hold true for females, but males can just easily fall victim to violent and abusive relationships. They are even less likely to report it because of social stigma and fear of ridicule. They, too, can find themselves in an out-of-control situation just as easily.

The key advice to prevent violence and abuse in relationships is to talk to young people and let them know that any type of violent or aggressive behavior is never okay. And if they happen to find themselves in an abusive relationship, get help and get out. Never be afraid to reach out to someone and let them know what is going on. Break the silence and speak up.

Oftentimes, pregnancy can be a consequence of these volatile relationships, where teen mothers often find themselves alone and scared with nowhere to go. That’s why Tha Afterparty Radio is holding the Baby Bliss Drive to assist homeless teenage mothers from the Promise House. Participating items can be dropped off at Tha  Afterparty Radio at 1111 W. Ledbetter Drive #450, Dallas, TX 75224. Help teen moms help themselves to a brighter future.