In its third year, Teen Dating Violence and Awareness Prevention Month is recognized in February as a national effort to raise awareness about abuse in youth relationships. It is critical that we take this time to remember that domestic violence is not just a problem for adults.  One in three adolescents in the U.S. will become a victim of physical, emotional or sexual abuse from a dating partner. Nearly 80% of girls who have been physically abused in their intimate relationships continue to date their abuser, and two-thirds of teens who are in an abusive relationship never tell anyone about the abuse.

The Teen Dating Violence Fact Sheet indicates:

• One in 10 high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped, or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend.
• Violent behavior often begins between the ages of 12 and 18.
• Girls and young women between the ages of 16 and 24 experience the highest rate of intimate partner violence, almost triple the national average.
• Half of youth who have been victims of both dating violence and rape attempt suicide, compared to 12.5% of non-abused girls and 5.4% of non-abused boys.
• Currently only one juvenile domestic violence court in the country focuses exclusively on teen dating violence.

“Break the Cycle!” of abuse among youth in our schools and communities. Law enforcement agencies, elected officials, schools, parents, and the community at-large can help support the prevention and awareness of teen dating violence by community policing. Community policing is a philosophy that promotes organizational strategies, community partnerships and problem-solving techniques between the law enforcement agency and the individuals and organizations they serve. Additional information on community policing can be found on the COPS website at www.cops.usdoj.gov.

To support Teen Dating Violence and Awareness Prevention Month, visit http://www.teendvmonth.org. 

For more information on Teen Violence and related topics, please review the following COPS publications:

	School Safety CD ROM		Acquaintance Rape of College Students
	Teen Action Toolkit: Building a Youth-led Response to Teen Victimization		Vital Partners: Mayors and Police Chiefs Working Together for America's Children and Youth
	Because Things Happen Every Day: Responding to Teenage Victims of Crime Discussion Guide Video CD ROM		Stalking
	Domestic Violence

You can order COPS publications and CDs by calling the COPS Response Center at 1-800-421-6770 or by using the COPS Publications Request Form. Publications are free and mailed free of charge. Many documents can also be read online or downloaded.