CARE is Here for You!

Greetings Readers!

Relationships between two or more people, whether a friendship or romantic partner, is an important part of our lives. For many, being in a close relationship is a way to feel connected with another person. In healthy relationships, we can feel trust and there is honesty, respect, equality, and compromise. Unfortunately, many also experience dating violence that occurs between two people who are, or who were once in, an intimate relationship. 

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Before continuing, here are this month’s affirmations:

  • As I move my attention to the present moment, I let go of the past.

  • I choose to see the positives in me.

  • I am deserving of love and respect. 

Teen Dating Violence continues to affect teens in the United States. According to the CDC1 nearly 1 in 11 female high school students and 1 in 15 male high school students reported having experienced dating violence last year. Examples of intimate relationship violence includes:

  • Physical: such as hitting, kicking, and pushing

  • Sexual: such as forcing a partner to partake in a sexual act

  • Emotional: such as name-calling, insulting, and threatening

  • Stalking: such as repeated and unwanted calls or text messages, and showing up unwanted

These examples apply to online and in-person behaviors and it is not an extensive list. Unhealthy or violent relationships can have a short or long-term effect on the teen. Many teens who are victims of dating violence may experience symptoms such as depression and anxiety, may engage in unhealthy behaviors such as the use of illicit drugs or alcohol use, or think about suicide.  

The good news is that teen dating violence is preventable. During the pre-teen and teen years, it is critical for teens to start learning skills needed to create and maintain healthy relationships. According to LoveIsRespect.org2 you can help teens who are in an abusive relationship by: 

  • Creating a safe space for your teen to communicate in a healthy way 

  • Listen without judgement

  • Accept what your teen is telling you

  • Focus on how the abuse makes your teen feel

  • Help your teen learn how to manage feelings in a healthy way

  • Decide on next steps together

Through the national effort to raise awareness about dating violence, we wish to promote national and local programs and organizations that support young people and encourage communities to prevent this form of abuse to decrease the prevalence of dating violence among our teens. 

National Resources:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed a technical package of programs, policies, and practices Preventing Intimate Partner Violence Across the Lifespan.

National Resource Center on Domestic Violence has a comprehensive collection of resources from organizations all over the U.S. on Teen Dating Violence for different populations. 

Love is Respect Offers Help 24/7/365 at 1.866.331.9474 or Text: loveis to 22522. They offer resources for teens and educators.

Break the Cycle inspires and supports youth ages 12-24 in building healthy relationships.

One Love has resources for young people about healthy relationships and helping them be leaders of change.

Teen Dating Violence offers resources for teens, adults, and communities learning more about teen dating violence.

National Domestic Hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides essential tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence so they can live their lives free of abuse.

For Teens:

Relationship Quizzes:

Is your relationship healthy?

Is your abusive partner actually changing?

Am I a good partner?

Relationship spectrum

Resources for Teens:

[REAL]Source Center Break the Cycle Resource Center

What Are Healthy Relationships

Types of Abuse

Dating Basics

Resources in Arizona:

Sojourner Center has been a safe haven from domestic violence for women and their children in Arizona. They offer support and resources for teens and adults who suffer from domestic violence. 

Bloom365 helps teens and young adults who are survivors of abuse through text/chat/video and virtual education, crisis counseling, and peer support. 

Kaity’s Way is the first organization in Arizona to focus on bringing awareness to teen dating violence and providing education on healthy relationships.

Remember, you are not alone in this. There are many ways that you can be supported and connected. If you would like to learn more about mindfulness skills, visit CARE’s Soothing Place where you can find informational links for mindfulness, coping skills, and wellness. 

For free webinars on many topics to support raising children and youth, visit Operation Parent.

If you or someone you care about is feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others: 

  • Call 911
  • Visit the Disaster Distress Helpline, call 1-800-985-5990, or text TalkWithUs to 66746
  • Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224 

For the youth, if you know you or your friends need immediate help, call Teen Lifeline. Teen Lifeline is a 24-7 crisis line for teens where teens can call or text another teen about any problems or issues they are facing. This resource is also available to parents and families for support.

  • In Maricopa County: 602-248-8336 (TEEN)
  • Outside Maricopa County: 1-800-248-8336 (TEEN)
  • Outside Arizona/Nationally: 1-877-YOUTHLINE or 1-800-SUICIDE

For more information on this please visit the websites below:

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/injury/features/dating-violence/index.html
  2. LoveIsRespect.org