Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM)
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month!
The month is a national effort to raise consciousness about abuse in teen relationships and support healthy relationships. As faithful people, we can help end teen dating violence by talking about respectful, safe, and healthy relationships with the children in our community from a young age.
Although teen dating violence is not the focus of our work at Safe Havens, we know that it is a critically important area for faith leaders and faith communities to be engaged. So, we have gathered some resources that will help you learn more, connect with others, and take action. Together, we can make a difference!
Start by checking out our infographic with engaging facts, figures, and recommendations regarding teen dating violence and what you can do.
Use our short or long PSA statements to put in your congregation’s newsletter about TDVAM. Feel free to adapt them to your congregation’s needs.
Get social in February!
Throughout the month, use the hashtag #FaithRespectsOrange to Tweet @SafeHavens1 and show that faith communities stand up against teen dating violence.
February 2nd: It's Time to Talk - Start the conversation about dating violence and sexual assault with your teen, youth group, co-workers, and friends.
February 8-12: Use the hashtag #Respectweek2018 to post information about teen dating violence and how you are promoting healthy relationships. Check out the Respect Week Guide with tons of ideas about how to spread awareness and take action throughout the week.
February 9: Wear orange to honor Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Encourage your faith community to wear orange too and share your photos with the hashtags #FaithRespectsOrange #Orange4Love
February 14th and 29th: #ChalkAboutLove - Chalk up the sidewalk with what love means to you. Share your art using the hashtag!
Other Faith-Based Resources on Teen Dating Violence
FaithTrust Institute has compiled a series of recorded webinar trainings on healthy teen relationships.
JWI and the Avon Foundation for Women have developed extensive programs intended to teach parents about facilitating conversations with teens about healthy relationships. They have engaging movies, tip sheets, and free program materials.
Youth-led Secular Resources on Teen Dating Violence
Loveisrespect is a youth-led project with resources to engage, educate, and empower teens and young adults to learn about intervention and prevention of abusive relationships.
Break the Cycle is an organization dedicated to creating a culture of healthy relationships for young people and providing them with the tools needed to identify abuse and put an end to it.