February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
Empowering Young People to Build Healthy Relationships
Every February, communities across the nation come together to raise awareness about teen dating violence and promote healthy relationship behaviors among young people. At Rainbow House Domestic Abuse Services, we believe that prevention starts with education, and that every young person deserves to experience relationships built on respect, equality, and safety.
The Reality of Teen Dating Violence
Teen dating violence is more common than many people realize. Nearly 1 in 3 adolescents in the U.S. will experience physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal abuse from a dating partner before they become adults. For LGBTQ+ youth, the rates are even higher. This form of abuse can have serious long-term effects on a young person’s physical and mental health, academic performance, and future relationships.
Warning Signs of Teen Dating Violence
It’s important for parents, educators, and teens themselves to recognize the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship:
| Extreme jealousy or possessiveness – Constantly checking up on their partner or accusing them of cheating |
| Isolation – Trying to keep their partner away from friends and family |
| Explosive temper – Frequent anger, mood swings, or threatening behavior |
| Control – Dictating what their partner wears, who they see, or how they spend their time |
| Digital abuse – Demanding passwords, excessive texting, or using social media to monitor or harass |
| Pressure – Forcing their partner into unwanted sexual activity or other behaviors |
What Makes a Healthy Relationship?
Healthy teen relationships are characterized by mutual respect, trust, honesty, equality, and open communication. In a healthy relationship, both partners support each other’s independence, respect boundaries, resolve conflicts peacefully, and never use violence or threats to get their way. Young people should feel safe, valued, and free to be themselves.
How Rainbow House Can Help
Rainbow House is committed to supporting teens and their families across Marinette, Oconto, and Florence Counties in Wisconsin, and Menominee Michigan. Our services include:
24/7 Crisis Support: Teens can call or text our crisis line anytime for confidential support and safety planning.
Youth Advocacy: Our trained advocates provide free, confidential support to teens experiencing dating violence, including safety planning, support groups, and connections to community resources.
Community Education: We offer prevention education programs in schools and community settings to help young people recognize the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships.
Parent and Educator Resources: We provide guidance to adults on how to talk with teens about healthy relationships and how to support a young person who may be experiencing abuse.
Take Action This February
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month is an opportunity for all of us to take action. Talk with the young people in your life about what healthy relationships look like. Listen without judgment if a teen confides in you about relationship concerns. Learn the warning signs and trust your instincts. And remember that help is always available.
Together, we can create a culture where all young people are empowered to build relationships based on respect and equality, and where teen dating violence is no longer tolerated in our communities.
| Need Help or Information?
Rainbow House is here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Crisis Line: 1-715-735-6656 All services are free and confidential. Serving Marinette, Oconto, and Florence Counties in Wisconsin and Menominee Michigan |
