February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness month. Caring House has partnered with our local

schools in order to bring this topic to light.

Teen Dating abuse is a pattern of behavior that includes physical, emotional, verbal or sexual

abuse used by one person in an intimate relationship to exert power and control over another.

Since we live in such a rural community, we tend to believe that issues such as teen dating

violence do not happen here; when in fact, Caring House worked with 150 teenagers in 2019.

1 in 3 girls in the United States are or have been a victim of teen dating violence. Many

teenagers do not recognize that they are being abused nor do they speak out about the abuse.

Here are just a couple of warning signs when looking teen dating violence is present:

 Constant communication

 Having your partners location/GPS

 Quick attachment

 Unwanted pressures

 Controlling behavior

 Isolation from friends, sports, family, or school

 Jealousy

Teenagers who are currently attending services at Caring House have said things such as:

“Constant communication is normal. We talk all day.”

“If a boy or girl picks on you, it means they like you.”

“My girlfriend pressures me to do things and if I won’t, she gets upset and ignores me the rest of

the day.”

February 14, 2020 is “Wear Orange” day to raise awareness for Teen Dating Violence. This is a

serious issue in our community. We are asking that students and parents pair with Caring

House throughout the month of February and continue the stance again Teen Dating Violence.

Advocates are available to talk if you have any questions regarding our services or safety

planning. All services are free and confidential.