Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month: Recognize the Signs, Support Healthy Relationships, and Help Survivors Stay Connected

Teen dating violence is not rare. It can take many forms — physical, emotional, sexual, psychological, or through technology — such as controlling behaviors and online harassment. Studies show that 1 in 3 adolescents in the U.S. is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal abuse from a dating partner.

Every February, individuals, schools, and organizations across the United States observe Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM). This dedicated awareness campaign brings attention to the prevalence, impacts, and prevention of dating violence among teens and young adults, and invites communities to come together to support safe, respectful relationships.

Statistics reveal that 25% of teens who experience dating violence never tell anyone. Too often, these experiences go unreported as teens may fear judgment, not recognize the signs of abuse, or feel unsure where to turn for support. That is why awareness and open conversation matter. TDVAM encourages parents, educators, friends, and allies to learn the warning signs of unhealthy relationships and to reinforce that respect and safety are essential aspects of any relationship.

What Teen Dating Violence Looks Like

Dating violence can be:

Physical — hitting, pushing, or other forms of force
Emotional or psychological — insults, threats, isolation, manipulation
Sexual — coercion or forced contact
Digital — controlling texts/messages, monitoring with spyware or other digital misuse

These behaviors are about power and control. Even if they begin subtly, they can escalate and can have lasting effects on physical and mental health, academic performance, and well-being.

Healthy Relationships Start With Respect

The annual awareness theme and educational efforts are designed to help teens and communities understand what healthy, respectful relationships look like. Open communication, boundaries, equality, and mutual trust are foundational. Programs and toolkits offered by national advocates help families and schools start these important conversations and spot red flags before they become harmful.

Resources for Teens and Families

If you or someone you know is experiencing teen dating violence, there are resources available 24/7 to offer support, education, and guidance:

Love Is Respect (online chat and text options) — dedicated to helping young people recognize and navigate unhealthy relationships.
National Domestic Violence Hotline — confidential support for anyone experiencing abuse or seeking guidance.
Local school counselors, health professionals, and youth outreach programs can also provide critical in-person assistance.

Why Access to Safe Communication Matters

One of the barriers survivors face — especially young people — is a lack of safe communication. Abusive partners may monitor phones, messages, and online activity, making it difficult for victims to reach out or access help without fear. For teens, a reliable, secure device can be a lifeline — enabling them to contact support networks, access local services, and build pathways to safety.

How Donated Devices Can Help Teens and Young Survivors

At 911 Cell Phone Bank (501c3), we believe safe communication is life-changing. We partner with law enforcement and victim service agencies to provide donated phones, tablets, and other devices to individuals in crisis, including survivors of domestic and dating violence. Every unused device — including those unclaimed from lost and found or property and evidence — can be securely processed and placed where it’s truly needed.

We use third-party verification software to guarantee complete data erasure according to DoD NIST 800-88 Rev. 1 guidelines, and our process is compliant with recognized data privacy standards including ISO 27001 and ISO 27040, ensuring that donated devices are safe to use and free of prior personal information.

Your unused device could be the connection that helps a young person reach a caregiver, advocate, or hotline when they need it most.

About 911 Cell Phone Bank

The 911 Cell Phone Bank is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works with law enforcement and victim service agencies to support survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence. They accept a wide range of working or broken electronic devices—cell phones, tablets, laptops, and more—and ensure each donation is handled securely and responsibly. The program is 100% free, including all shipping costs.

Donate your unused and unclaimed items today at www.911cellphonebank.org

Call +866-290-7864 or email info@911cellphonebank.org for more information.

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