Des Moines, Iowa – Children & Families of Iowa’s (CFI) Domestic Violence Services is calling upon youth, families, schools and communities to take action during the 2012 Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month (TDVAPM) throughout the month of February.
In its third year, Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month is recognized each February as a national effort to raise awareness of abuse in youth relationships. According to loveisrespect.org, individuals between the ages of 16 and 24 years experience the highest rates of dating violence, rates three times the national average. It is critical that we take this time to remember that violence in relationships is not just a problem for adults, but a devastating and often hidden danger in one out of every four teen dating relationships.
Take a stance this month against teen dating violence by educating your community about the dangers of unhealthy relationships for young adults. TDVAPM is an opportunity to bring focus to the issue of teen dating violence at local, state and national levels. Through proclamations, educational events, media outreach and other efforts, advocates raise awareness about the dynamics of abuse and promote initiatives to support young people in learning to have safe and healthy relationships.
About Children & Families of Iowa – Domestic Violence Services Teen Outreach Program
CFI’s Domestic Violence Services Teen Outreach Program is dedicated to addressing the needs of teenagers involved in violent dating relationships. Outreach services are available to reach victims of dating violence in your community. Trained advocates can speak to groups about healthy versus unhealthy relationships or assist individuals with counseling. We welcome any opportunity to empower youth by educating them about dating violence. If you are interested in helping educate the youth in your community about healthy relationships, please contact Molly Pimm at [email][email protected][/email] or call [phone](515) 471-8699[/phone], ext. 123.
