Community education and prevention efforts encourage healthy relationships among youth
The Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (DART) is reminding families, schools, and community members that February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding of unhealthy relationship behaviors and supporting prevention efforts among adolescents.
Teen dating violence can affect a young person’s health, opportunity, and long-term wellbeing. Experts note that unhealthy relationships often begin early and may continue into adulthood, but they also emphasize that violence is preventable when communities work together to educate and support young people.
“Many teens believe behaviors such as teasing or name-calling are a normal part of a relationship,” DART representatives explained. “However, those behaviors can escalate into more serious forms of abuse, and many young people hesitate to tell family or friends when they feel unsafe.”
Key Facts
According to national youth behavior data cited by DART:
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About 1 in 12 high school students report experiencing dating violence within the previous year.
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About 1 in 10 report experiencing sexual dating violence.
Female students experience higher rates of both physical and sexual dating violence than male students.
Impact on Youth
DART says unhealthy or abusive relationships can have both immediate and long-term consequences. Victims of teen dating violence are more likely to:
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Experience depression and anxiety symptoms
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Engage in unhealthy coping behaviors such as substance use
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Exhibit antisocial behaviors including bullying or aggression
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Have thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Prevention and Community Support
DART emphasizes that prevention begins with teaching communication skills and emotional awareness before and during the teen years. Encouraging respectful relationships can reduce dating violence and its lasting effects on individuals, families, and communities.
Community members are encouraged to talk openly with young people about boundaries, respect, and recognizing warning signs of abuse. Schools, parents, and local organizations all play a role in helping youth develop healthy relationship habits.
About DART
The Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (DART) has served families since 1994, providing advocacy, education, and support services to victims of domestic and dating violence.
Contact:
Winn Parish DART Office
301 West Main Street
Winnfield, LA 71483
Phone: 318-648-0559