The week of February 6, 2006 was designated as the first "National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week" by the U.S. Congress (H. Res 617 / S. Res. 621). The awareness week was recognized annually through 2009. 

Then, in 2010, Congress (H. Res 102 / S. Res. 373) unanimously voted to recognize the month of February as "Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month". This month-long commitment to protecting and educating our children and communities is important. Nearly 26% of women and 15% of men report they experienced dating violence before the age of 18. Teen dating violence is associated with both short and long-term negative outcomes, including negative mental and physical health, substance abuse, and greater likelihood of dropping out of school.

In February 2011, the U.S. president issued a presidential proclamation declaring the month of February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM). This recognition by the U.S. president continued every year until 2017 and again from 2021 through 2024. 

President Trump failed to acknowledge TDVAM during his first presidency. He also failed to acknowledge it in 2025 during the first year of his second term.

Teen dating violence (TDV) is a serious issue in America. It is more common than most people realize - 1 in 12 high school students experience physical dating violence and 1 in 10 experience sexual dating violence. Teens also experience emotional abuse, coercive control, and digital abuse. 

Adolescence is a complicated and important period in the lives of young people. As teens are learning who they are, who they want to be, and the future they want for themselves, many teens are also attempting to learn what constitutes a healthy dating relationship. This issue must be brought into the public sphere in order for teens, parents, and educators to be made aware of the importance of engaging in conversations about healthy relationships. 

Teen dating violence is linked to self-harm, substance use, and teen pregnancy. Awareness connects teens to support sooner. It empowers peers to intervene, since teens often confide in their friends first, and it encourages schools to support their students. With educational and public discussions of TDV teens are more likely to recognize abuse and to seek help if needed. 

As a violence prevention and education non-profit organization that has protected our young people from abusive relationships since 2006, we ask that President Trump consider putting TDV in the spotlight this February. 

Together, we can create an environment where abuse is less likely to be tolerated.

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