Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness Month
Written by The SAFE Alliance
Advocates, survivors, law enforcement, and members of the Family Violence Task Force gathered Jan. 31 at Commissioners Court to receive a proclamation from Judge Sarah Eckhardt and commissioners recognizing February 2017 as Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness Month.
Throughout February, students in Austin and surrounding districts will participate in activities to promote safe and respectful relationships. Expect Respect will distribute I Expect Respect Toolkits, which include posters, morning announcements, and lesson plans to schools and youth agencies.
Teen relationships can be intense, emotional, and sometimes, volatile. Many times parents are unaware or underestimate how intense the relationships have become and may miss signs that the relationship has moved beyond a healthy dating relationship. It’s easy for anyone — young people in particular — to confuse jealousy, excessive contact, or other controlling behaviors with love. Expect Respect is a program of SAFE that helps teens learn about and build healthy relationships.
The Family Violence Task Force consists of advocates, educators, law enforcement, court personnel, and other community members who work to prevent domestic violence and increase responsiveness to victims and their families.
