By Laura Trevellyan, DVSAS Prevention Coordinator/Youth Advocate
As Valentines Day approaches and talk of love surrounds us I would like to take a moment to spread the word on a topic that is unfortunately closely connected… dating violence.
February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. This month provides an excellent opportunity for our community to demonstrate its commitment to ending teen dating violence and to support the numerous victims and survivors who are among us. One in three adolescent girls in the US is a victim of physical, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner. These violent relationships can have serious consequences for victims – putting them at higher risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual behavior, suicide and adult re-victimization.
This February is the time to educate about the seriousness of teen dating violence and the prevalence of this epidemic in our lives. The Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault services (DVSAS) would be honored if you would help spread the word and support us in the prevention of teen dating violence. If you would like to learn more, schedule a meeting or set up a presentation for staff, students or other members of our community who work with youth, please contact DVSAS at 376-5979 or email at: dvsas.prevention@gmail.com.
You can also check out the National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month website at www.teendvmonth.org. We appreciate your support and thank you for your consideration of this vital issue.
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