Supporting Youth TDVAM 2025
Supporting Youth TDVAM 2025
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM), a time dedicated to raising awareness about the realities of teen dating violence and empowering our community to take action. With 1 in 3 teens experiencing dating violence and the majority never telling anyone, it’s clear that awareness and support are critical.
Join us for Пути вперед, a free virtual roundtable discussion where local experts will share insights on how to support youth navigating teen dating abuse.
February 27 | 12:00PM - 1:00PM | Online via Zoom
Understanding Teen Dating Violence
Teen dating violence is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to exert power and control over another. It can take many forms, including:
- Physical abuse – hitting, shoving, or any form of physical harm
- Emotional abuse – manipulation, threats, gaslighting, or humiliation
- Sexual abuse – coercion, assault, or unwanted advances
- Digital abuse – monitoring social media, demanding passwords, excessive texting
- Financial abuse – controlling access to money or resources
Why focus on teens?
Dating violence can start as early as middle school, and young people experience some of the highest rates of abuse:
- Young women ages 16-24 experience dating violence at nearly three times the national average.
- 81% of parents do not believe or are unaware that teen dating violence is an issue.
- 1 in 3 youth who experience dating violence tell anyone.
- Teens who experience dating violence are at greater risk for mental health challenges, risky behaviors, and domestic violence in adulthood.
Raising awareness and equipping teens with tools to build healthy relationships can help break the cycle. Learn more from Love Is Respect’s Dating Abuse Statistics Fact Sheet.
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month: “Respect That”
This February, YWCA Спокан joins Love Is Respect in amplifying teen voices and promoting healthy relationships through this year’s TDVAM theme: “Respect That.”
According to Love Is Respect, “Respecting someone isn’t just a vague idea; it’s action and a mindset. The theme ‘Respect That’ highlights the importance of treating partners with dignity, listening to their viewpoints, respecting their boundaries, and valuing their autonomy.”
Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing resources and insights to help teens, parents, educators, and community members foster a culture of respect in all relationships.
Beyond February
At YWCA Spokane, our commitment to supporting survivors and preventing relationship abuse extends beyond TDVAM. Learn more about Healthy Roots, our high-school focused prevention curriculum that aims to equip and empower youth with knowledge and tools to build healthier relationships.
About YWCA Spokane’s Pathways Forward Series
Pathways Forward is an online webinar series that allows YWCA Spokane to engage in progress-minded discussions with local experts on various topics related to our work and mission. Each discussion invites a real-time dialog between the panel and our community that is focused on identifying ways we can move forward together.
By: Chloe Bolz