Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

  • Published
  • By Arlene Johnson
  • 412th Medical Operations Squadron Family Advocacy Outreach manager

Did you know February is “Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month?” As a mother of four, two of which are teenagers, I found myself questioning, “Is this a real issue?” Unfortunately, it is. As a matter of fact, according to www.loveisrespect.org,

  • Nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a single year.
  • One in three adolescents in the U.S. is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner, a figure that far exceeds rates of other types of youth violence.
  • One in 10 high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend.

This is why as the Family Advocacy Outreach manager, I am taking the opportunity to share information with you and our youth on healthy relationships – communication, dealing with conflict and when to seek help. If you are interested in getting an information packet that contains more statistics on the issue, tips and conversation starters, warning signs and where to gain more information, please call 661-277-5292 or stop by the Family Advocacy Program office, located at 30 Nightingale Rd., Bldg. 5513.

Together as a community we can continue to protect and empower our youth to a healthy future.

To show awareness and support please purple up/orange up on Feb. 14.