Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

#RespectThat - 2025

 
 
 
 
1
1

#RespectThat!

This year’s theme, Respect That, is all about fostering meaningful and healthy relationships through intentional actions and attitudes. Respect isn’t just a concept; it’s something we demonstrate every day in how we treat others. It means valuing your partner’s autonomy, listening to their viewpoints, and honoring their boundaries. By focusing on respect, we can create a culture of kindness and mutual understanding. Together, we can empower teens to build relationships rooted in dignity and care.

Every February, young people and their loved ones join together across the country for a national effort to raise awareness about the issue of teen dating violence through Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM). This annual, month-long emphasis focuses on advocacy and education.

THE GOAL: Stop dating abuse before it starts.

Come out to Hop 4 Hope!

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Teens That Talk presents Hop 4 Hope, a proceed benefitting Sheltering Wings. Come jump with us at Sky Zone in Plainfield for trampolines, free food, games, prizes, and more! Enter a dodgeball tournament and bring a team of 5! Register your team at the door by 5:30pm. The tournament will start at 6:00. Prizes for the winning team!

Presented by Traders Point Christian Church, World Communion Church, Lucas Oil and Hendricks County ICON.

Check out Hop 4 Hope here!Click Here to Help Teens Now!

Get involved.

You can play an important role in helping us raise awareness by getting active, participating in these events.

2/10-14 – Respect Week

Students stand for respect by participating in a variety of initiatives.

Learn more

2/11 – Wear Orange Day

Wear orange to prompt conversations about dating violence.

Learn more

Beyond February

The 28 days in February aren’t enough to accomplish a 365-day-a-year mission. Scroll down to see how you can partner with Sheltering Wings to raise awareness and prevent teen dating violence all year long.

Get Involved

Teens

Have a Courageous Conversation!

If you see something concerning or notice changes in someone close to you (like they are no longer active on social media, they don’t want to hang out, or they drastically change their appearance) ask questions! Let the person know that you have noticed a change in their behavior, and you want to create a safe space for them to talk about their experience without any judgement.

Practice Self Care!

Self-care is so important to your overall health! Make sure you’re taking time to focus on yourself – do activities that bring you joy, give you peace, and rejuvenate your spirit!

Use your Platforms and Influence!

Spread awareness about teen dating violence! Everyone has influence, so share on social media, talk with your friends, and make sure that you are sharing signs of healthy relationships! Follow @ShelteringWings and like, comment, share, and save our content to help spread the word!

Adults

Support the youth in your life!

YOU play a crucial role in modeling healthy relationship behavior for teens and young adults! As an adult, you have the knowledge and wisdom from past experiences to gage the success of future relationships. Teenagers are still learning what it even means to be dating and how it all works!

Have you considered having a discussion with a young person in your life about healthy relationships? It is important to remain connected to the young people in your life and keep the lines of communication open. Click here for some conversation starters!

Things to remember before you begin:

  • Assess your values. How do you expect couples to behave, to handle disagreements and make decisions? It’s important for you to model respect, honor and integrity.
  • Your kids’ relationships are important to them. As teenagers, they are laying the groundwork for the relationships they’ll have in the future. Become familiar with their world and what they enjoy. Showing genuine interest sets the stage for honest and consistent communication.
  • Beware of how you talk about violence. Parents tend to either be vague, causing confusion, or to be overprotective, preventing their kids from truly learning. None of these approaches are helpful. Seize opportunities to talk around the dinner table, while hanging out or during your commute to and from activities.

Getting information to teens is the best way to prevent dating abuse. Teens That Talk is group of students sharing no-holds-barred information about healthy relationships and teen dating violence in schools, communities and social circles. Contact Jarod at (317) 386-5053 to talk about joining this group or inviting them to your event.