February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. The Sexual Assault Resource Center wants you to know that there is a lot we can do as a community to prevent teen dating violence and abuse. More than 1 in 10 teens who have been on a date have also been physically abused by a boyfriend or girlfriend in the last year. One of the most important things you can do is keep the lines of communication open with your children. Take steps to make a difference: Be a role model – treat your kids and others with respect. Start talking to your children about healthy relationships early – before they start dating. Get involved with efforts to prevent dating violence at your teen’s school. If you are worried about your teen, call the Sexual Assault Resource Center at (979) 731-1000 or the National Dating Abuse Helpline at 1-866-331-9474 or text “loveis” to 22522. You can help keep your loved ones safe and healthy. Join SARC as they participate in #GoOrangeDay across the Brazos Valley on Tuesday, Feb. 14, to continue raising awareness for this very important topic!
The SARC looks to empower youth in our community to be a voice against violence. The SARC provides educational presentations and trainings for youth and adults across the Brazos Valley on a variety of topics, including healthy and unhealthy relationships, bullying, social media and internet safety, and many more. The SARC provides support and assistance to those affected by violence in the Brazos Valley through 24-hour crisis services, advocacy, empowerment, prevention education and community collaboration. For more information, contact (979) 731-1000 or visit the website at www.sarcbv.org.