February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (#TDVAM2020)! In honor of the month, Arkansas Valley Resource Center would like to share a video from the El Paso County & District Attorney’s Domestic/Dating Violence Initiative, which highlights what an abusive dating relationship can look like and how it may progress. It is important to know what to look for, not only for yourself, but for those you care about. Awareness is the first step toward prevention!
TRIGGER WARNING:
The following video depicts emotional/mental abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse in a teen dating relationship.
One factor to be very aware of is that abuse isn’t just physical. As depicted in the video, the abuse starts out being largely emotional, escalating to physical and sexual abuses as the relationship progresses. Natalie appears to isolate herself more and more from her friends and family as the abuse from Alex grows increasingly worse. The abuse takes its toll on Natalie’s grades, as well as her mental and emotional well being.
Awareness is the key to recognizing these abuses before they escalate. To test your knowledge on teen dating violence, take AVRC’s quiz, Teen Dating Violence: How much do you know?.
No one deserves to be abused or controlled. If you or a loved one is a victim of dating violence, AVRC staff is available 24/7 to help!
415 Colorado Avenue, La Junta, CO 81050
(719) 384-7764
TTY: (719) 384-1938
After Hours Colorado Relay dial 711 or 1-800-659-2656