February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

ELLSWORTH – NextStep Domestic Violence Project is offering free educational programming to schools throughout Washington and Hancock Counties to raise awareness about teen dating violence during February’s Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (and throughout the school year). Additionally, on National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Day, Tuesday, February 8th, students, educators, administrators, and the general public are encouraged to wear the color orange.

“Teen dating violence education is a critical part of a young person’s education,” stated Alli Williamson, Next Step Youth Educator. “In the span of just one year, one in ten high school students will experience violence in dating relationships. It’s important to teach young people what relationships look like that are based in equality and respect vs. relationships where power and control is being used. Our youth education programs aim to teach students about relationships, where they can find support, how they can help others, and how we can create changes that promote equality and respect in the community at large.

To learn more about Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and to schedule a program for classrooms in grades K-12 (and college), please contact Alli Williamson: awilliamson@nextstepdvproject.org / NextStep helpline: 800-315-5579