While we define dating violence as a pattern, that doesn’t mean the first instance of abuse is not dating violence. It just recognizes that dating violence usually involves a series of abusive behaviors over a course of time.
Teen dating violence is more common than many people think. One in three teens in the U.S. will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse by someone they are in a relationship with before they become adults. And nearly half (43%) of college-aged women report experiencing violent and abusive dating behaviors. Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month aims to educate young people on the prevalence of dating violence and how they can prevent it.
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) is held throughout the month of February as a way to bring together teens and those who support them in a national effort to raise awareness around teen dating violence.
The above information is from loveisrespect.org.
