February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month!

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Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month: Education, Prevention, and Support for Our Community

February marks Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM), a time to shine a light on the realities of teen dating violence and reaffirm our commitment to keeping young people safe through education, prevention, and support.

At Bridge of Hope Child Advocacy Center, we know that healthy relationships are learned. By providing trauma-informed prevention education and community outreach across Southwest Nebraska, we work to help teens recognize unsafe behaviors, understand their worth, and build relationships rooted in respect and consent.

What Is Teen Dating Violence?

Teen dating violence is a pattern of behaviors used to gain power or control over a dating partner. These behaviors may include:

  • Emotional or verbal abuse (insults, manipulation, intimidation)

  • Physical abuse (hitting, pushing, restraining)

  • Sexual abuse (pressure or coercion into sexual activity)

  • Digital abuse (constant monitoring, excessive texting, sharing private images)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 3 teens in the United States experiences some form of dating abuse. Many teens don’t report abuse because they may not recognize the behavior as unhealthy or fear they won’t be believed.

Why Awareness and Prevention Matter

Teen years are a critical time for forming beliefs about relationships. Without education and support, harmful behavior such as jealousy, control, or pressure can be mistaken for love or normal conflict.

Through prevention education, school presentations, and community outreach, Bridge of Hope helps teens and trusted adults learn:

  • The difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships

  • Warning signs of abuse

  • How to set boundaries and communicate safely

  • Where to turn for help

Prevention isn’t just about stopping abuse, it’s about empowering youth with skills that last a lifetime.

Our Role at Bridge of Hope Child Advocacy Center

Bridge of Hope Child Advocacy Center provides trauma-informed services for children and families impacted by abuse and neglect, while also focusing on prevention and early intervention. We partner with schools, professionals, and community members to deliver education that promotes safety, resilience, and awareness.

During Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and throughout the year, we are committed to creating safe spaces for learning, conversation, and healing.

What to Do If You’re Worried About a Teen

If you’re concerned about a teen who may be experiencing dating violence, your support can make a difference.

  • Listen without judgment. Let them share at their own pace.

  • Validate their feelings. Avoid minimizing their experiences.

  • Don’t pressure them to “just leave.” Leaving can be complicated and scary.

  • Encourage connection to trusted support. This could include a parent, school counselor, advocate, or local resource.

  • Know when to get help. If there is immediate danger, contact emergency services.

Even small actions like checking in, offering resources, or being a consistent, safe adult can have a powerful impact.

You’re Not Alone: Helpful Resources

Nebraska Resources

  • Nebraska Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Coalition (NDVSAC)
    🌐 ndvsac.org

  • Nebraska Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline
    📞 1-800-572-7233

  • Bridge of Hope Child Advocacy Center
    Trauma-informed advocacy, prevention education, and support for children and families
    🌐 bridgeofhopecac.org

  • Nebraska Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline
    📞 1-800-652-1999

  • Nebraska Coalition To End Sexual and Domestic Violence

  • R/DAP (North Platte Area) (Rape and Domestic Abuse Program)

    • RDAP’s crisis hotline is available 24 hours a day by calling 308-534-3495, texting 308-536-4848, or via online chat

  • SCIP (Ogallala area) (Sandhills Crisis Intervention Program)

    • 24-Hour Crisis Line:  308-284-6055

  • DASAS (McCook Area)

    • crisis line: 877-345-5534

National Resources

  • Love is Respect
    📞 1-866-331-9474 | Text LOVEIS to 22522
    🌐 loveisrespect.org

  • One Love Foundation
    Healthy relationship education for teens and young adults
    🌐 joinonelove.org

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline
    📞 1-800-799-7233 | Text START to 88788
    🌐 thehotline.org

Moving Forward Together

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month reminds us that prevention starts with education, compassion, and community involvement. By working together, we can help teens recognize their value, build healthy relationships, and know they are never alone.

To learn more about Bridge of Hope’s prevention programs or how to get involved, please visit our website or contact us directly.