February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month

The hazards of teen relationships – obsession, possession, rejection, violence – are well documented in national research.

Learn more about the prevalence of teen dating violence at The Centers for Disease Control and The Violence Against Women Online Resources website.

National Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month is a time when anti-violence groups across the country focus on efforts to help adolescents understand the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship and avoid these hazards.

The links on this page provide helpful information and resources for teens, their parents and teachers, as well as advocates working with teens.

Pennsylvania's Response

Many domestic violence programs have prevention educators who work in the schools and conduct prevention education for students, teachers, guidance counselors and other school personnel on dating violence and the impact of child witnessing. They work extensively with educators to assure trained staff is available on site to be of assistance to students struggling with controlling or abusive relationships.

PCADV staff regularly trains teachers, school administrators and others at state and regional conferences in how to recognize and respond to dating violence.

If a teen contacts a local domestic violence program, staff can assist in safety planning and in identifying adults they can trust and reach out to for additional support.
Where To Get Help For Teen Dating Violence in PA

Take Action for Teens - Support SB 1116

The prevalence and toxicity of interpersonal violence in dating relationships among school-age youth, and the need to intervene and prevent patterns of abuse before they perpetuate into adulthood, compel a statewide, coordinated response to address this critical issue.

Senate Bill 1116 is such a response. Introduced by Senator Sean Logan (D-Allegheny), SB 1116 will provide the assistance schools need to effectively address the issue of teen dating violence among their students—model policies, training materials, and partnerships with community-based providers of specialized services for teen victims. SB 1116 is a bipartisan, collaborative effort, and the PCADV encourages supporters to contact their state senators and urge them to sign on and support swift enactment of the bill. For information about SB 1116, Click here.

Pennsylvania House Resolution

In Pennsylvania, the House of Representatives designated the first week in February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week

The Coalition applauds the PA House of Representatives´ unanimous passage of House Resolution 584, introduced by Rep. Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny). HR 584 designates the week of February 1 through 5, 2010, as "Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week" in Pennsylvania. To read HR 584, click here.

We encourage you to call or email Rep. Frankel and thank him for taking the initiative on this laudable resolution!