February is National Teen Dating Violence Prevention Month Published Feb. 16, 2017 412th Medical Group Family Advocacy EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, one in 10 females and one in 11 males have admitted to experiencing physical violence in a dating relationship during the past year. February is National Teen Dating Violence Prevention Month. The purpose of TDVPM is to raise awareness and prevent teen dating violence through a public awareness and education campaign. The organization Love is Respect reports that violent relationships in adolescence can have serious ramifications, including higher risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual behavior and future domestic violence. Bullying, insults, threats, intimidation, isolation and unexplained bruises or cuts are all possible signs of dating violence. While studies show 82 percent of parents feel confident that they could recognize the signs of dating violence, only 40 percent could correctly identify the warning signs of abuse, according to Fifth & Pacific Companies, Inc. One of the goals of the Edwards AFB Family Advocacy program is to educate the base community on dating violence and facilitate conversations about healthy relationships. Healthy relationships are built and maintained on mutual trust and respect for each other. For more information on dating violence or other relationship concerns, please contact 412th Medical Group Family Advocacy at 661-277-5291.