February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.
Tri-County Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Executive Director Shellie Holmes says during the month they want to shine a light on the problem and to provide education. Last week staff members traveled to high schools in the area to bring the word that dating should not make a person feel uncomfortable....
"....kids in their dating relationships can recognize the difference between healthy relationships and potentially harmful relationships so we can help them understand the warning signs of abuse....."
Holmes says one sign is when the friend tries to control who the other person sees or shows extreme jealousy. She says that is a warning flag. She says they hope they can help educate young people so they can grow into a healthy, mature relationship without experiencing domestic violence or tragedies in the future.
Studies find that 1 in 3 teens experience some kind of abuse in their romantic relationships while only about a third of teens in an abusive relationship ever tell anyone about it. Holmes says if anyone wants more information they can call Tri-County at 715-362-6841.
