JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Everybody remembers their first teen romance… but not always for good reasons.
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According to the Center for Disease Control, around one in five teens are victims of sexual or physical dating violence in their relationships. Stephanie Brown with Hubbard House also explained to Action News Jax Sunday those stats don’t even account for several other types of teen dating violence that often go unnoticed.
“Extreme jealousy, love bombing, excessive control, access to technology – that doesn’t have to be the norm for your relationship,” Brown said.
That’s why in February, for National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, Hubbard House is launching its “It Starts With Believing” campaign, aiming to tackle this issue which can often have far-reaching effects on teens.
“We know that teens who are in violent relationships, they’re at an enhanced risk of being in a violent relationship in the future,” Brown explained.
While also aiming to tackle teen dating violence through one resounding message for parents when their teen does come forward:
“Those positive adults in that teen’s life need to believe that experience and validate that experience,” Brown said.
Both Brown and Hubbard House are also emphasizing the importance of parents being an example of themselves, in the household.
“Model healthy conflict resolution, model good communication skills, model that solid relationship understanding,” Brown urged.
These are some of the ways Hubbard House says you can get involved and make a difference this National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month:
- Learn how to identify teen dating violence and support survivors by reading Hubbard House’s blog post.
- Join “Wear Orange Day” to raise awareness by wearing your best orange outfit on February 11.
- Like and share Hubbard House’s #ItStartswithBelieving social media campaign on Facebook and Instagram.
- Invite a Hubbard House speaker to present on teen dating violence and healthy relationship skills at your school, company, or other organization.
Visit Hubbard House’s website to learn more.
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