Thank You For Supporting Teen Dating Violence Prevention Month

As we leave February in the rear-view mirror, I would like to take a moment to thank each and every one of you that took part in 2021’s Teen Dating Violence Prevention Month. Maybe you wore orange, reposted something you saw on social media, had a conversation about healthy relationships with youth in your life, or requested a training or presentation. Maybe you have some plans but haven’t had a chance to implement them yet. Each of these actions are important.

In order to move toward creating a community that does not tolerate or permit violence, these actions and conversations are vital steps; steps that must continue beyond the month and extend for the entire year. And Prevail’s work with and dedication to youth who have experienced crime and abuse continues year-round. To date, Prevail has served nearly 3,000 individuals aged 13 to 19 years old and that number will continue to grow.

With Sexual Assault Awareness month around the corner, taking place in April, I hope that your willingness to have tough conversations and take steps to address crime and abuse in our community continues. Nationwide, about 1 in 9 female high school students and 1 in 36 male high school students report having experienced sexual assault within a dating relationship in the past year.

Thank you for your continued support of Prevail. We cannot fulfill our mission without a community united around a vision of anti-violence without you.

Writer is Kelly Ferriell, Youth Advocacy Supervisor