The Melrose Police Department, in partnership with RESPOND, Inc., wishes to share resources to raise awareness about violence in teen dating.
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. One in three teens in the U.S. has been a victim of physical, emotional, sexual or verbal abuse from a dating partner, and one in 10 high school students reports being hit, slapped or physically hurt by a partner, according to loveisrespect, a project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Only one in three of teens in an abusive relationship ever tell someone about it.
The following resources are available from RESPOND to help families recognize the warning signs of abuse, and include tips on how to talk with kids about healthy relationships:
- A Parent’s Guide to Teen Dating Violence
- Written tips as well as a video on recognizing red flags and warning signs of dating violence
- Written tips and a video explaining how to respond to teen dating violence
- Three virtual discussions with RESPOND staff about teen dating violence:
RESPOND is a domestic violence prevention and awareness agency based in Somerville. More information about the organization as well as additional resources for talking with your teens can be found on their website here.
Additional information and resources can also be found on the Love is Respect Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages, as well as the Jane Doe, Inc. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
