February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shedding light on an issue that affects far too many young people. Sobeida Rosa, Community Educator with Domestic Violence Services of Lancaster County, works to educate the public about Domestic Violence and resources available at DVS Lancaster.

“Teens can also be involved or experience these types of things within their dating. And it's super important to raise awareness because we want to make sure we can try to do some prevention, some reframing so that they can in turn be adults with healthy relationships and kind of get these warning signs early before, you know, the added pressure of adulthood on top of being in a relationship, “said Rosa.

Kristen Herman, Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence says educating young folks before they become adults provides an opportunity to help as they’re forming relationships.

“You know, whether we like it or not, kids at this age are dating. What that looks like to them and what that sounds like to us might be two totally different things, but it is happening. And we are seeing emotional, psychological, physical, sexual abuse in teen dating relationships as well, especially when we look at things like the use of technology in that age group, “said Herman.

Listen to the podcast to hear how technology and social media plays a role in teen dating abuse, what to look out for if a parent suspects their teen is in a abusive relationship, and the first steps a teen should take If they find themselves in a abusive relationship.

 

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