Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

February is “Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.” As parents and adults who care about children, we can have a positive influence by modelling and promoting self-esteem, respect and healthy relationships.

Vice President Joe Biden, author of the 1994 Violence Against Women Act, released the following statement regarding teen dating violence:

“After fifteen years of working to end domestic violence, we have learned that teens are not immune from abuse in relationships. Teen dating violence is all too common, and ends up leading to vicious and unhelathy cycles for years to come. Our responsibility – as parents, teachers, mentors and community leaders - is to guide our young people towards respectful relationships free from harrassment, teach them that it’s ok to walk away from a bad situation; and encourage them to speak out hwen they see a friend in trouble. In many communitites, teens themselves are leading the way in organizing their schools and communities to stand against violence. I commend them.”

For information about local resources for adolescent and adult victims of violence, contact Valorie Prulhiere at the DOVE Program (330.379.9743) or The OH Domestic Violence network’s website: www.odvn.org.