Richmond, Henrico Health Districts highlight Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- In honor of February being Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts are highlighting what a safe relationship should look like.

According to health officials, 1 in 10 teens in the U.S. have experienced dating violence -- which can happen online, through text or in person.

Signs of dating violence can include:

• Psychological and emotional abuse -- using words or behaviors to control their partner, destroy the partner's self-confidence or keep them away from other people.
• Physical abuse -- hitting, shoving or intentionally injuring a partner.
• Sexual abuse -- pressuring or forcing a partner to have sex, including when they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Stalking -- repeated unwanted attention.

Officials also described the differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships to aid young individuals in making safer dating choices.

• Healthy relationships:
  • Respecting each other's feelings and boundaries
  • Honest
  • Equality
  • Both people consent or agree freely
  • Support for individual growth
  • Feeling safe
  • Willingness to work through conflicts
• Unhealthy relationships:
  • Lack of respect
  • Controlling who you can be friends with
  • Explosive temper
  • Threatening or causing physical violence
  • Pressuring a partner into unwanted sexual activity

Unhealthy relationships can have long-term impacts on physical and mental health, and they thrive in isolation. If you believe you may be experiencing dating violence, call 911 or reach out to one of the following sources:

• YWCA Help Line (call or text) -- 804-612-6126
• Action Alliance
  • 1-800-838-8238 (Talk)
  • 804-793-9999 (Text)
• Virginia Family Violence & Sexual Assault Hotline
  • 1-800-838-8238
• Love is Respect

For more information about dating violence and safety information, click here.