New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence acknowledges February as Teen Dating Abuse Awareness Month

The NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) recognizes February as Teen Dating Abuse Awareness Month in New York state. In an effort to curb the issue of teen dating abuse, OPDV is running a monthlong campaign to provide teens with a positive framework for building healthy relationships.

The “Healthy Relationship at Every Age” campaign is part of a yearlong “Start the Conversation” campaign that asks individuals to be a part of ending gender-based violence by having tough conversations about real issues. This February, OPDV is providing education on consent and healthy relationships, allowing teens to share this lifesaving information with peers and intimate partners. It also aims to raise awareness in adults that work with teens to empower these adults to start a conversation about healthy relationships within the populations they influence.

For years, OPDV has based its work in developing survivor-centered solutions to gender-based violence. Through this campaign, the agency will continue to advance that work by cultivating partnerships with youth organizations, raising awareness through social media messaging on topics such as green flags of healthy relationships, and sharing relevant resources to help adults talk to teens about consent.

OPDV will also partner with Day One to host an interactive virtual workshop for teens to help identify and communicate healthy boundaries and foster healthy relationships. Day One works with youth to end dating abuse and domestic violence through community education, supportive services, legal advocacy and leadership development.

OPDV Executive Director Kelli Owens said, “It's never too early to start talking about dating abuse and healthy relationships. OPDV is engaging directly with teens, and the adults who work with teens, to identify the resources they need to develop healthy, safe relationships no matter their age. We thank Gov. Hochul for continuing to highlight and address the many facets of gender-based violence for victims and survivors of all ages.”

A press release stated, “New York state continues to lead the nation in advancing the rights of women, girls, and at-risk populations. OPDV will continue to help youth to recognize the signs of dating abuse, identifying means to prevent it and ensuring that teens find the support they need.”