Empowering Teens to Build Healthy Relationships
February is Teen Dating Violence Prevention Month, a time to shine a light on an issue affecting far too many young people. Teen dating violence is more common than many realize. In the United States, 1 in 3 teens experiences physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from a dating partner. These alarming statistics remind us how critical it is to support teens in understanding what healthy relationships truly look like.
At Teen Health Connection, we believe awareness is one of the most powerful tools we have. Every day, teens navigate complex social pressures, relationship expectations, and rapidly changing communication norms. Without guidance, many may struggle to recognize unhealthy patterns or know how to seek help.
That’s why we take a proactive approach to prevention. Through education, programs, and supportive resources, we help young people:
- Recognize the signs of unhealthy or abusive behavior
- Understand their right to set boundaries in any relationship
- Build confidence to speak up when something feels wrong
- Know where to turn for help, whether for themselves or someone they care about
Teen Dating Violence Prevention Month is an opportunity for all of us, parents, caregivers, educators, and community members, to join the conversation. By creating safe spaces for teens to talk about their relationships, we empower them to develop skills that foster respect, safety, and emotional well-being.
At Teen Health Connection, we’re committed to supporting teens every step of the way. Together, we can help create a future where every teen feels valued, respected, and safe in their relationships.
If you or someone you know needs support or wants to learn more, we’re here to help. Reach out, get connected, and let’s build healthier relationships together. For support or to discuss services provided by Teen Health Connection, contact us at 704.381.8336 (TEEN) or email TeenHealthConnection@TeenHealthConnection.org
Sources
American Psychological Association. (2013, July 31). One in three U.S. youths report being victims of dating violence. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2013/07/dating-violence
Palumbo, L. (2025, February 7). Teen dating violence prevention resources – 2025 update. National Sexual Violence Resource Center. https://www.nsvrc.org/blogs/teen-dating-violence-prevention-resources-2025-update/
