Roses, Chocolates, and Healthy Relationships: TDVAM

Valentine’s day is coming up, and as you know if you’ve been hanging out here for a while, I don’t do romantic posts for Valentine’s Day. (See the related posts down below.) As an author passionate about a number of social issues, I have decided to dedicate this post to Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. February is recognized as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM), and it serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about this issue. Various organizations have made resources available to educate and empower individuals to take action against teen dating violence. (Scroll down for a few.)

TEEN DATING VIOLENCE

Teen dating violence is a form of adverse childhood experience that impacts a significant number of young people in the United States. It can occur in person, online, or through technology, and falls under the category of intimate partner violence. This type of violence encompasses various behaviors, including physical violence, sexual violence, psychological aggression, and stalking.

Physical violence involves attempts to harm a partner through physical force, such as hitting or kicking. Sexual violence includes forcing or pressuring a partner to engage in sexual acts without their consent. It also encompasses non-physical sexual behaviors, such as sharing explicit images without consent. Psychological aggression involves using verbal and non-verbal communication to harm a partner mentally or emotionally, exerting control over them. Stalking refers to a pattern of unwanted attention and contact by a current or former partner that causes fear and safety concerns.

Teen dating violence has far-reaching consequences on the lifelong health, opportunities, and overall well-being of individuals. Unhealthy relationships can start early in life and have lasting effects. However, it is crucial to remember that violence is preventable.

BOOKS

As an author, I have frequently explored the topic of teen violence in my books. Through my writing, I strive to shed light on the realities of intimate violence as one of the serious social issues that young people face.

Books of mine that address Teen Dating Violence or Intimate Partner Violence:

• A Waffle Death
• Lunar Lies
• Ruby
• Chloe
• Ronnie
• Questing for a Dream
• Pursued by the Past
• Bobby
• Don’t Forget Steven
• Death of a Corpse
• Zachary Goldman Series (emotional abuse)
• Tattooed Teardrops
• Reg Rawlins Series (metaphorical)
• Virtually Harmless

As we observe Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, let’s take a stand against teen dating violence. By educating ourselves, supporting organizations that work to prevent and respond to teen dating violence, and promoting healthy relationships, we can make a difference in the lives of young people. Together, we can create a future where violence-free relationships are the norm.

Love should never be accompanied by violence. Let’s work towards a world where all relationships are built on respect, trust, and equality.

RESOURCES

For more information on Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and resources to support this cause, please refer to the links provided below.

• 2023 Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM)
• TDVAM Action Guide
• Warning signs of dating abuse: What to look for & more
• Preventing and Responding to Teen Dating Violence
• Fast Facts: Preventing Teen Dating Violence
• Dating Matters® Toolkit

By educating ourselves, supporting organizations, and promoting healthy relationships, we can create a future where violence-free relationships are the norm. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of young people and help them to build relationships free from violence.