Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Budding Teen Relationships are Susceptible to Violence

“Nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from dating a partner in a single year,” according to www.loveisrespect.org.

Violence is a learned behavior, so what message are we sending teens? The cycle of violence will be passed on to our future generations if we don't raise awareness on the fatal effects of violence.

The Northwest Suburban Alliance on Domestic Violence asks the community to observe February 2012 as National Teen Dating Violence Month.

President Obama said, “We recommit to providing critical support and services for victims of dating violence and empowering teens with the tools to cultivate healthy, respectful relationships,” printed in a Whitehouse press release from February 15, 2012 that recognizes National Teen Dating Violence Month.

Take this opportunity to do something positive during National Teen Dating Violence Month, learn more about the signs of relationship violence and how to take positive actions to prevent violent behavior.

A few signs of a healthy relationship with your partner:

o Feel comfortable speaking your mind
o Feel respected, supported and safe
o A balance of power
o Can negotiate and problem solve together
o Feel good about yourself


The Northwest Suburban Alliance on Domestic Violence will have educational information available at two community resource fairs this spring.

March 9, 2012: Harper College - Human Services Resource Fair
April 5, 2012: CHS Health and Safety Fair

Those in need of assistance, or other concerned friends and individuals, to call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE.