1. February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

2. 1 in 3
adolescents in the U.S. is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal abuse from a dating partner.

3. Know the warning signs of abuse
Checking your cell phone or without permission
Constantly putting you down
Extreme jealousy or insecurity
Explosive temper
Isolating you from family or friends
Making false accusations
Mood swings
Physically hurting you in any way
Possessiveness
Telling you what to do
Abusive behaviors often escalate

4. Abuse isn’t always physical.
Emotional/Verbal: Emotional abuse includes non-physical behaviors such as threats, insults, constant monitoring or “checking in,” excessive texting, humiliation, intimidation, isolation or stalking.
Sexual: Sexual abuse refers to any action that pressures or coerces someone to do something sexually they don't want to do. It can also refer to behavior that impacts a person's ability to control their sexual activity or the circumstances in which sexual activity occurs, including oral sex, rape or restricting access to birth control and condoms.
Physical: Physical abuse is any intentional and unwanted contact with you or something close to your body. Sometimes abusive behavior does not cause pain or even leave a bruise, but it's still unhealthy.

5. Digital Abuse
Digital abuse is the use of technologies such as texting and social networking to bully, harass, stalk or intimidate a partner. Often this behavior is a form of verbal or emotional abuse perpetrated online.
Digital abuse may include:
Constant texting, or monitoring a partner’s location and activities through texts.
Pressuring a partner to sext or send sexual pictures when they aren’t comfortable doing so, or sending unwanted sexual texts or pictures.
Reading a partner’s texts or s, Facebook messages, etc. without their permission.
Threatening a partner over text or chat

6. How to help a friend
Don’t be afraid to reach out to a friend who you think needs help.
Tell them you're concerned for their safety and want to help.
Be supportive and listen patiently. Acknowledge their feelings and be respectful of their decisions.
Help your friend recognize that the abuse is not “normal” and is NOT their fault.
Focus on your friend or family member, not the abusive partner. Even if they stay with their partner, it's important they still feel comfortable talking to you about it.
Connect your friend to resources in the community that can help.
If they break up with the abusive partner, continue to be supportive after the relationship is over.
Don’t contact their abuser or publicly post negative things about them online.
Even when you feel like there’s nothing you can do, don’t forget that by being supportive and caring -- you're already doing a lot.

7. How to use the school based clinic
If you or someone you  know is experiencing any form of dating abuse:
Talk to a trusted adult (parent, teacher, coach, relative) who can help keep you safe.
Come to the school based clinic. We’re a safe space and can connect you with resources.
Text “loveis” to to talk to a peer advisor who can give you advice and help.
Call 612–656-YAYA (9292) to talk to a local advocate and be connected with services in the Twin Cities.

8. Dating Bill of Rights I have the right:
To always be treated with respect.
To be in a healthy relationship - A healthy relationship is not controlling, manipulative, or jealous. A healthy relationship involves honesty, trust, and communication.
To not be hurt physically or emotionally - You should feel safe in your relationship at all times.
To refuse sex or affection at anytime - A healthy relationship involves making consensual sexual decisions.
To have friends and activities apart from my boyfriend or girlfriend - Spending time by yourself, with male or female friends, or with family is normal and healthy.
To end a relationship - You should not be harassed, threatened, or made to feel guilty for ending an unhealthy or healthy relationship. You have the right to end a relationship for any reason you choose.