Educating teens about healthy relationships during National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention month.

According to Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence, those aged 12 to 19 experience the highest rates of physical assault. Studies show that approximately ten percent of adolescents report being the victim of physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner.

Girls are particularly vulnerable to experiencing violence in their relationships and are more likely to suffer long-term behavioral and health consequences, including suicide attempts, eating disorders, and drug use. Community Outreach Educator Alicia Tarrant said, “We have outreaching counseling that we can do for teens, especially if they find themselves in a violent situation. We can also assist with obtaining protection orders, court proceedings, anything the teen is going through that they may not know where to go to get help.”

One in three people are in an abusive relationship. So, if it doesn’t affect you directly, it will affect someone you know.

If you or someone you know needs help, you can call the center at 228-435-2968 or 800-800-1396. All calls are confidential.