Be an advocate this February

02.03.2010

This February marks the first annual National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM). Are you looking for ways to get involved and be an advocate this month? Here are a few ways for you to be an advocate and speak out against teen dating violence:

• Acknowledge how often violence against women occurs in literature that you read for class. One example is To Kill a Mockingbird, which features a case about brutal rape. While we hope that you read the book (especially if it’s for a class assignment), we hope that you also bring to light the violence depicted in the book and explain to your classmates how this behavior is not okay.
  
  
• Read blogs and websites that provide information about teen dating violence. A few websites that we recommend are www.loveisrespect.org, www.thatsnotcool.org and www.padv.org.
  
  
• Advocate for an assembly at your school to talk about teen dating violence and building healthy relationships. Get some friends together and ask your teachers and school administrators how to make it happen!
  
  
• Talk to a friend about teen dating violence. Since most teens may not go to a parent or teacher for help, let your friends know that they can talk to you about their relationship with their boyfriend or girlfriend.
  
  
• Invite a speaker to speak at your class, youth group, team outing or study group. To schedule a speaker from PADV, call 404.870.9600.
  
  
• Print out a resource list for teens and distribute it at school and in your community. Check out www.loveisnotabuse.com for some great resources.
  
  
• Make a note of songs and music videos that depict violence against women. After making the list, don’t listen to songs that have bad messages or lyrics.
  
  
• Write a letter thanking your Senate representative for their support of this year’s National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month initiative. To learn who your Senate rep is, click here.
  
  
• Encourage your parents or guardians to learn more about teen dating violence. Check out PADV’s website under the Teen Dating Violence section and click on “For Parents.”
  
  
• Don’t watch TV shows that promote violence, especially violence against women. Some
  
  
• Register and attend PADV’s Spotlight on Teen Dating Violence: What’s Your Role? To learn more about this summit, click here.

What are other ways that you can advocate for teen dating violence? Share your ideas here and with your friends, family and community!