Written by: Tiffany Martinez, Education & Outreach Coordinator
February is here! It’s a month for chocolate, giant teddy bears, Valentine’s Day dances, and secret crushes. But while everyone is talking about love, there’s something important we also need to talk about: Teen Dating Violence.
Teen dating violence is way more common than you might think, which is why February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Relationships can be tricky enough as it is, but when unhealthy or abusive behaviors are involved, things can get really bad, really fast. That’s why it’s so important to know the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships.
Here at Tu Casa, Inc., we’re here to help teens and parents learn about dating violence, set boundaries, and build healthy relationships.
The Truth About Teen Dating Violence
Here’s the scary truth:
• Nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a single year.[1]
• One in three girls in the US is a victim of physical, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner, a figure that far exceeds rates of other types of youth violence. [1]
• One in ten high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend.[1]
• Only 33% of teens who were in an abusive relationship ever told anyone about the abuse. [1]
That means a lot of teens are dealing with unhealthy relationships in silence, which is heartbreaking. Many teens don’t even realize that some behaviors, like jealousy or constant texting, aren’t normal.
For example, some teens think that jealousy is “cute” or that it means their partner really loves them. But jealousy isn’t love, it’s a warning sign. It can lead to bigger issues like control, manipulation, or even abuse. That’s why it’s so important to talk openly about what’s okay in a relationship and what’s not.
Learn the red flags. Recognize the signs of unhealthy behavior.
Speak up. If something doesn’t feel right in your relationship, tell someone you trust.
Help your friends. If you think a friend might be in an unhealthy relationship, let them know you’re there for them and encourage them to reach out to Tu Casa, Inc. if they feel safe to do so.
Starting the conversation about teen dating violence is not just important, it’s essential. Education is the key to empowering young people to recognize healthy and unhealthy relationship behaviors, understand their own boundaries, and know when something isn’t right. If we don’t talk openly with teens about the warning signs of abuse and the importance of respect in relationships, how will they know what they deserve? By addressing this topic early and often, we’re not just preventing harm, we’re equipping the next generation with the tools to build stronger, healthier connections. Let’s prioritize these conversations, because knowledge is not only power, its protection and key to prevention. Together, we can create a culture where every teen feels safe, valued, and respected in their relationships.
Know the resources available. Places like Tu Casa, Inc. and Loveisrespect.org are some valuable resources available to youth and parents navigating these tough topics.
To access Tu Casa, Inc. services, please call our 24-hour hotline at (719) 589-2465.
