February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

February is more than hearts and chocolates. It is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. Both chambers of Congress have officially recognized this month to raise awareness, encourage prevention, and support teens experiencing abuse.

In Louisiana, the numbers are sobering. Roughly 1 in 3 teens report experiencing some form of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse in a dating relationship. Young women aged 16 to 24 face the highest rates of intimate partner violence, nearly triple the national average for their peers. Yet only one-third of teens in violent relationships ever tell anyone, with most in the Capital Region (Region 2) preferring to confide in friends rather than adults.

Regional Snapshot:
Capital Region (Region 2 – Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge, Ascension, Livingston, Iberville, Pointe Coupee, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana): Lifetime intimate partner violence about 38 to 40 percent. Past-year physical violence is higher than the state average at about 8 percent. High rates of gun threats and digital stalking are noted.

Northshore Region (Region 9 – St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington): Lifetime IPV about 35 to 38 percent. Past-year physical violence is slightly below the state average at about 6 percent. Digital safety risks are similar.

The 2024 Domestic Abuse Fatality Review highlighted a tragic trend. Seventy percent of victims first experience abuse before age 24, making early intervention critical.

What can teens do? The most important step is self love and self awareness. Knowing your worth, setting healthy boundaries, and seeking help are all acts of strength. Teens in the Capital Region and Northshore parishes can reach out to trained specialists through the Youth Mobile Crisis Program for confidential support, guidance, and resources.

Learn more and get help here: Youth Mobile Crisis Program

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