Teen Dating Violence Awareness: What Every Teen Should Know

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and at WINGS, we want every teen to know this: you deserve relationships that are safe, respectful, and free from fear.

What Teen Dating Violence Looks Like

Dating violence is not always physical. It can show up in ways that are easy to overlook, especially when you're just starting to navigate relationships. Abuse can be:

• Physical: pushing, hitting, grabbing, or any unwanted contact.
• Emotional: insults, put-downs, guilt trips, or making you feel "crazy" for expressing your feelings.
• Digital: constant texting, demanding passwords, tracking your location, or posting or sharing things to embarrass you.
• Sexual: pressuring you to do anything you're not comfortable with, even if you have dated for a long time.

Signs a Relationship Is Becoming Unhealthy

Many teens tell us they did not realize unhealthy behavior was actually abuse. Pay attention if your partner:

• Gets angry when you spend time with friends or family
• Checks your phone without permission
• Wants to know where you are every minute
• Makes you feel guilty for setting boundaries
• Apologizes after hurting you but repeats the behavior

Healthy Relationships Feel Different

A healthy relationship makes you feel supported, respected, and valued. You should feel free to be yourself without fear of upsetting the other person. Consent, trust, communication, and kindness are key.

Why Awareness Matters for Teens

What you learn about relationships as a teen can follow you into adulthood. Knowing what is healthy and what is not helps you make safer choices and speak up when something feels wrong. Talking openly with friends or a trusted adult can make a big difference. You are never alone.

How WINGS Supports Teens in Our Community

WINGS serves teens and families throughout Laurens County, and surrounding rural Georgia communities. While our shelter and advocacy services focus on domestic violence, our prevention efforts include helping teens build strong, respectful relationship habits.

We offer safety planning, crisis support, education programs, and someone to talk to when you are unsure if what you are experiencing is okay.

If You Need Help

If you ever feel scared, pressured, or unsafe in a relationship, reach out. You can call our 24-hour crisis hotline at (478) 272-5880. Your call is confidential, and we are here to support you with no judgment and no pressure.

This February, join WINGS in spreading awareness, supporting your friends, and standing up for healthy relationships. Every teen deserves to feel safe, respected, and heard.