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The Teen Dating Violence Awareness Prevention Initiative was started by teens in 2004 through the American Bar Association. In 2006 the first national “week” was declared by Congress. It was from February 2^nd-9^th. This year the week is being expanded to the entire month of February.

The need to spread awareness about teen dating violence is great. About one in three high school females experience dating violence. Additionally, 94% of victims of intimate partner violence were victimized by a current or former boyfriend or girlfriend.

Dating violence also knows no sexuality. In a study of gay, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents, teens involved in same-sex dating are just as likely to experience violence as those involved in opposite-sex dating.

Spreading awareness about teen dating violence and abuse now will prevent future crimes against women in the future. Nearly one half of adult sex offenders report committing their first sexual offenses prior to the age of 18.

Spreading awareness to teens and parents alike is valuable. 54% of parents admit that they have not spoken to their children about dating violence. Teen dating violence often goes unnoticed by parents. Teens hide violence because they want to be independent from their parents, are under peer pressure, and overall lack experience with dating relationships. Teens may feel that they are responsible for solving their own problems or may be too embarrassed to talk to a parent.

In order to create awareness and prevent future violence and abuse, teens need to be educated more than just one month out of the year. Dating violence education should be included in middle and high school health and wellness classes. Much like drug and alcohol abuse is a cycle; dating violence is also a cycle. If states mandated dating and domestic violence education in high school classrooms, teens would be more likely to disengage from abusive and unhealthy dating relationships.

Warning signs of a potentially bad dating relationship include extreme jealousy, controlling behavior, mood swings, belief in rigid sex roles, blaming others for problems or feelings, verbal abuse and isolation from friends and family.

Warning signs that a teen is in an abusive situation include physical signs of injury, failing grades, changes in personality and interests, use of drugs and alcohol, emotional outbursts, and isolation.

If you or someone you know is experiencing an abusive boyfriend or girlfriend you can call 866-331-9474 or visit www.loveisrespect.org.

This posting is part of a series by passionate allies in the cause. The author is Sara Aucker, a 2010 intern with Becky's Fund.