JANET EDWARDS PAVING THE WAY Yes, it’s February (at the time of writing this article) – the month of love. And it’s also Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. We understand the irony and feel it’s important to address this topic in a way for people to understand what our teenagers are facing while dating so we can support them in making healthy, smart, and safe choices. The teenage years are full of learning, new experiences, friends and…dating. As human beings, we all want to feel loved, appreciated, like we belong. For a teenager, the feeling is very strong, especially during puberty. As teens embark on the dating journey, while their brains are still developing, they do not have the emotional maturity to understand a deep connection or love. They are faced with mixed messages of what a real connection with another person should be – from friends, television programs, internet sites, gaming, and pornography. Unfortunately for some teens without guidance from a trusted adult, this exciting time can turn tragic. According to the 2019 CDC Youth Risk Behavior survey, one in twelve high school students in the United States experiences teen dating violence. It’s not much better in Europe, according to a study. The global prevalence of DV (Domestic Violence) victimization was significantly greater among girls than boys (girls: 34.1%, boys: 26.7%; p = 0.012). The prevalence of DV in both girls and boys was greater for those over the age 15 (girls: 48.5% p < 0.001; boys: 35.9%; p = 0.019).* Unhealthy or violent relationships can have severe short and long-term effects on a developing teen. For example, youth who are involved in teen dating violence are more likely to: experience symptoms of depression and anxiety, engage in unhealthy behaviors (like drugs and alcohol),...... Read more on Full Issue!