National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week

Cape County Joins 2009

National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week Observance

February 2-6, 2009, is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week (TDVAPW), and victim advocates throughout the country are using this week as an opportunity to educate the public about the pervasive crime that inconspicuously affects teenagers worldwide.

Teen dating violence—the perpetration or threat of an act of violence by at least one member of an unmarried couple on the other member within the context of dating or courtship—encompasses any form of sexual assault, physical violence, and verbal or emotional abuse. This abuse directly affects approximately 1 in 5 high school girls1 and can lead to serious ramifications for victims by putting them at higher risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, suicide and adult revictimization.2

"The majority of teen women in violent relationships never tell anyone about their situation," said Mindy Denson, Education Coordinator for the Safe House for Women. "It is imperative that we raise awareness about teen dating violence in our community so these victims know there is help available to them. Through education, we can begin to make a difference in the lives of many young women in our community."

For additional information about TDVAPW and additional information on teen dating violence, please contact The Safe House for Women at 573-335-7745 or visit their Web site at www.semosafehouse.org.

The mission of the Safe House for Women is to STOP domestic violence and HELP survivors of domestic abuse regain a sense of their strength, power, and future.

____________________________________________________________________________________

1. Silverman, J. G., Raj, A., Mucci, L. A., Hathaway, J. E. (2001). Dating violence against adolescent girls and associated substance use, unhealthy weight control, sexual risk behavior, pregnancy, and suicidality. JAMA, 286(5).

2. Liz Claiborne Inc. study on teen dating abuse conducted by Teenage Research Unlimited, February 2005.