During National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, the Indian Health Service recognizes that culture is the best form of prevention and emphasizes the need for a healthier future and way of life. As we raise awareness on teen dating violence this month, let’s uplift healthy and supportive relationships based on respect and harmony. We should encourage open, non-judgmental conversations regarding healthy and unhealthy relationships with American Indian and Alaska Native youth. It is essential to continue teaching cultural and traditional values, strengths, and beliefs that encompass respect.
Let’s be champions for all teens by demonstrating positive examples of healthy, respectful, and nonviolent communication with one another. Let’s impart Indigenous values that create a safe environment for positive and health outcomes that actively involves the voices of Native youth.
When teenagers experience physical, emotional, mental, sexual, and digital abuse, bullying, or stalking, they are more likely to experience negative health outcomes, such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and suicidal ideations, which can persist well into adulthood. Unfortunately, teen dating violence is not uncommon. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that teen dating violence impacts one in 12 U.S. high school students. Every Native teen deserves a happy, healthy, supportive relationship, embraced by respect and filled with harmony and cultural values.
Throughout this month, a variety of Indian Health Service, tribal, and urban facilities are engaging in activities to raise awareness about teen dating violence. Please be on the lookout for tabling events, health fairs, community outreach, education for high schoolers on healthy relationships, arts and crafting events, and more. Finally, on Tuesday, February 11, stand in support with IHS and strong, robust Native communities to help raise teen dating violence awareness by wearing orange.
Helpful resources:
- Love is Respect – This year’s theme is Respect That.
- A project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, Love is Respect offers 24/7 confidential, culturally relevant resources, support, and advocacy to young people (ages 13-26) who have questions or concerns about their romantic relationships.
- Find more information about dating, healthy relationships, safety, and supporting others by visiting their website.
- Phone: 844.7Native (844-762-8483)
- Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention
- Center for Native American Youth
- National Indian Child Welfare Association
- National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center – Information related to Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
