Did you know that February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM)? by Keioshiah Peter, CSAVNW Native Youth Coordinator.

This month serves as a platform for a national effort to raise awareness about dating violence and abuse in teen and 20-something relationships. Additionally, to promote programs that work to prevent and educate on TDV.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a single year.[i] It is also important to recognize that American Indians are 2.5 times more likely to experience sexual assault crimes compared to all other races, and one in three Indian women reports having been raped during her lifetime.[ii]

Dating violence is a very real and common issue in our Indigenous communities that can have a negative effect on the wellbeing and health of our Native youth. At CSVANW, we believe that our young people are the embodiment of resilience of their families and their communities.

Although there are many challenges in out tribal communities, the resiliency of our young people and their willingness to contribute their knowledge is an important tool towards eliminating TDV in our communities.

This month at the CSVANW we want to continue to highlight the resiliency and the knowledge of our Native young people in New Mexico.

Follow us

We are working on our social media online presence on Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat. Feel free to follow us and share your thoughts with us by posting on social media using the hashtags #CSVANW, #CSVANWYouth, and #LetsTacoBoutIt!

Join our #CSVANW Photo Challenge

Help us support and encourage Native youth while also bringing awareness to TDVAM by participating in the #CSVANW Photo Challenge throughout the month of February. Be sure to use our hashtags – #CSVANW #CSVANWYouth #LetsTacoBoutIt! Catch our submissions on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat – @CSVANW.

Schedule a Presentation in your Community

Ask for our Native Youth Coordinator to give a teen dating violence and healthy relationships presentation in your community, school, or organization!

Join Our Social Media Conversation on TDV

Join our conversation with students at the Native American Community Academy on Teen Dating Violence via Snapchat and Twitter (@CSVANW) as we strategize how to address teen dating violence in New Mexico Tribal communities!

Ways to Get Involved!

Join LoveIsRespect this month for their twitter chats, webinar, and Wear Orange Day!

Feb 8^th, 6:30 pm CT – Twitter Conversation –  Love Is Respect, Online and Off

• Let’s talk about healthy online relationships, what isn’t healthy or respectful online, and other issues that young people face while using technology.

Feb 14^th – Wear Orange Day

• Wear Orange Day is a national day of awareness where we encourage everyone to wear orange in honor of Teen DV Month.

Feb 15^th, 7 pm CT – Twitter Conversation – Let’s Talk About Respect + Sex, Baby.

• We’ll be discussing healthy and unhealthy sexual relationships, how to talk about sex with your partner, and more!

Feb 23^rd, 3:30 pm CT – Webinar – Teens Helping Teens: Empowering Young People to Support Each Other Webinar

Check out these National Resources

There are numerous organizations that provide direct services to young people experiencing TDV and information to concerned adults.

National Dating Abuse Helpline –

Provides trained peer advocates that are available 24/7 to offer education, support, and advocacy to teens, young adults, and concerned friends and family member who may have questions or concerns. All conversations with peer advocates via phone, chat, or text are free and confidential.

Chat – 24/7/365 at main website – http://www.loveisrespect.org

Call – 1.866.331.9474

Text – text “LoveIs” to 22522

Break the Cycle

National nonprofit organization that provides preventive dating and domestic violence education and outreach to teens and young adults

Love is Not Abuse

Break the Cycle is operating the Love is Not Abuse campaign and grassroots coalition of advocates. The campaign includes comprehensive resources for parents, a digital abuse curriculum and tips for engaging men and boys.

WeRNative

Is a health resource for Native Youth, by Native youth that provides content and stories about the topics that matter most to them. We strive to promote holistic health and positive growth in our local communities and nation at large.

NativeLove

Our NativeLove project includes a youth video/photo challenge, posters, social media campaigns, FAQs, and teen resources and toolkits. These are offered to support and inform youth and educators about healthy relationship and to encourage dialogue in Native communities.

[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2003. “Physical Dating Violence Among High School Students – United States,” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, May 19, 2006, Vol. 55, No. 19.

[1] Tjaden, P & Thoennes, N. (2000). Department of Justice. https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/183781.pdf