Teen Dating Violence

February is Teen Dating Violence (TDV) month and the theme for this year's campaign is "Talk About It"

Unhealthy, abusive, or violent relationships can have short-and long-term negative effects, including severe consequences, on a developing teen. For example, youth who are victims of teen dating violence are more likely to:

• Experience symptoms of depression and anxiety

• Engage in unhealthy behaviors, like using tobacco, drugs, and alcohol

• Exhibit antisocial behaviors, like lying, theft, bullying, or hitting

• Think about suicideViolence in an adolescent relationship sets the stage for problems in future relationships, including intimate partner violence and sexual violence perpetration and/or victimization throughout life.

For example, youth who are victims of dating violence in high school are at higher risk for victimization during college.

Robyne's Nest believes supporting the development of healthy, respectful, and nonviolent relationships has the potential to reduce the occurrence of TDV and prevent its harmful and long-lasting effects on individuals, their families, and the communities where they live. During the pre-teen and teen years, it is critical for youth to begin learning the skills needed to create and maintain healthy relationships. These skills include knowing how to manage feelings and how to communicate in a healthy way.