MUSCATINE, Iowa — February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a national initiative focused on raising awareness about dating violence among teenagers and promoting healthy, respectful relationships.
Teen dating violence can include physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, or digital abuse. These behaviors may involve controlling actions, threats, harassment, or pressure and can have lasting impacts on a young person’s mental health, academic success, and future relationships.
Muscatine Mayor Brad Bark proclaimed February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in Muscatine and presented the proclamation to Cecelia Aguilera, Survivor Services Supervisor at Family Resources.
“One in three teens are affected by dating abuse and it takes a community to spark conversation, create awareness, and educate our youth because everyone deserves a healthy love built on the foundation of consent and respect,” Aguilera said in accepting the proclamation.
The City of Muscatine encourages parents, caregivers, educators, and community members to have open conversations with teens about healthy relationships, boundaries, and recognizing warning signs of abuse. Common red flags may include extreme jealousy, isolation from friends or family, frequent monitoring through phones or social media, intimidation, or physical harm.
“Awareness and education are key to prevention,” said Bark. “By talking openly about teen dating violence, we can help young people recognize unhealthy behaviors early and connect them with support.”
Teens experiencing dating violence should know that abuse is never their fault and that help is available. Anyone in need of support can contact the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline at 1-866-331-9474 or text “LOVEIS” to 22522. In an emergency, call 911.
For more information about Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and for free, confidential services to survivors of domestic abuse, sexual abuse, human trafficking, homicide, and other violent crime, contact Family Resources at 563-263-0067 or visit the Family Resources website.
