Building Safe, Healthy Relationships for Every Young Person

By San Diego Youth Services Staff

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about healthy relationships and the warning signs of abuse.

Dating abuse is a pattern of behaviors used to gain and maintain power and control over a dating partner. In the United States, 1 in 3 teens experiences physical, sexual or emotional abuse from someone they are in a relationship with.

Common Red Flags of Teen Dating Violence

Teen dating violence can look different in every relationship, but common warning signs include:

• A partner constantly checking the other person’s social media
• Requiring a partner to share passwords
• Controlling who a partner talks to
• Monitoring or dictating what a partner posts online

Dating abuse is about power and control, and it can happen to anyone.

How SDYS Is Taking Action

At San Diego Youth Services, we are committed to preventing and responding to teen dating violence through both prevention and intervention services.

Prevention

• Educating youth and caregivers about healthy relationships
• Raising awareness of warning signs and risk factors
• Providing trainings and workshops to community organizations

Intervention

• Offering therapeutic services to address mental health needs
• Providing case management and support services
• Connecting youth to basic needs such as housing, medical care, and supportive social networks

Our goal is to support healing, increase safety, and promote overall well-being for youth impacted by dating violence.