Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month calls attention to intimate partner violence amongst adolescents, encouraging the Army community to prevent abuse before it starts. The 2025 theme, “Respect That,” created by the national organization love is respect, highlights the importance of treating partners with dignity, listening to their viewpoints, respecting their boundaries and valuing their autonomy through a focus on respect.
“Frequent deployments and moves of Army Families can potentially result in our children having issues that impact them socially,” said Dr. Carmen Leggett, Family Advocacy Program Specialist with the Directorate of Prevention, Resilience and Readiness.
“Children (who experience) abuse often remain quiet and don’t want to talk about what is happening with them.”
According to the American Psychological Association, 19 percent of teenagers experience dating and sexual violence and 65 percent experience psychological abuse.
The Army Family Advocacy Program helps Soldiers and Families recognize and meet the unique challenges of Army life and provides opportunities to educate teens and get parents, Families and the broader community involved in dating violence awareness. FAP collaborates with schools, youth centers and other organizations to extend awareness of the issue of teen dating violence. Each location develops TDVAM events and activities based on the population and current trends in its specific environment. Contact your FAP office for information and to learn about activities planned at your location.
Preventing teen dating violence starts with recognizing the warning signs, which include:
• Using insults, intimidation or humiliation.
• Displaying extreme jealousy, insecurity or controlling behavior.
• Isolating the partner from friends and Family.
• Making unwanted sexual contact of any kind.
• Being unable to control rage or being unusually moody.
Constantly monitoring social media activities or location.
• Invading the partner’s privacy or showing up unannounced.
• Leaving unwanted items, like gifts or flowers.
• Abusing alcohol or drugs.
• Threatening or causing physical violence or any kind of bodily harm.
Parent involvement is a key protective factor to safeguard teens. Here are a few ways to connect.
• Look for changes in your child’s mood, appearance or activities that could be an indication that abuse is happening.
• Talk honestly and openly with your teen about what healthy relationships look like and explain that verbal and physical abuse is not acceptable.
• Know and recognize the warning signs of abuse.
During February, wear orange, the official color for the observance, and let others know why orange is so important in preventing teen dating violence.
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