Please join Prevail in recognizing February as National Teen Dating Violence Prevention Month (TDVPM). The theme for 2022 is “Talk About It,” set by the organization Love Is Respect, a national organization bringing awareness to teen dating violence.
TDVPM is a call to action for youth and the adults who support them to have conversations about relationships and how to navigate them in healthy and safe ways.
It is important to Talk About It because teen dating violence happens. Talking around it or avoiding the topic is not helping but talking about such a challenging subject is scary and intimidating. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists teen dating violence as a public health crisis, and the pandemic has only increased the instances that go unrecognized and the number of youth who are not receiving support.
To enhance this important work, Prevail has an updated Teen Dating Violence Prevention Month (TDVPM) Toolkit available PrevailInc.org. With this kit the community will find information about resources, discussion starters, activities, and handouts about teen dating violence. Prevail’s hope is that everyone can use any or all of what is included to start conversations with the teens in your life and enhance your knowledge about healthy relationships, which are the antidote to dating violence. Included in the toolkit are activity suggestions ranging from five-minute conversations to full lesson plans, so there are many options to fit any time you have available.
In addition to Talking About It, Prevail challenges you to “go orange with Prevail” by wearing an orange article of clothing on Feb. 4 and posting a picture online using #GoOrangePrevail.
Thank you for your support and active involvement with the teens in our local communities. Change cannot be brought about without you. If you would like more information about Prevail’s TDVPM Toolkit or teen dating violence, contact Prevail’s Advocacy Supervisor, Kelly Ferriell at kferriell@prevailinc.org or 317-773-6942.
About Prevail, Inc.
Prevail, Inc. is committed to offering crisis intervention and restorative support services for adult, adolescent and child survivors of crime and abuse, free of charge, in a confidential, supportive, non-judgmental environment that is meant to empower, educate, and strengthen everyone served. Visit PrevailInc.org to learn more. You can reach Prevail’s 24-Hour Crisis Line at 317-776-3472.