Dating Violence is more common than people think.  One in three teens in the U.S. will experience physical, emotional or sexual abuse from someone they are in a relationship with before they become  adults.  Nearly half (43%) of college students report being the victim of abuse by someone with whom they are in a dating relationship.  In 2010 Congress declared that February  be designated as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) devoting the entire month to teen dating violence awareness and prevention.

Our office has a Special Victims Unit dedicated to holding offenders accountable and connecting victims to support services.  Last year we assisted 84 teenagers and young adult victims.  If you are in a relationship and are experiencing abuse, please report it to your local police department.

The theme for 2021 is Know your Worth.  Know your Worth focuses on learning about healthy relationships and self-empowerment and centers on advocacy and education to stop dating violence before it starts.

To learn more about national events and for assistance visit:

loveisrespect.org

Text: LOVEIS to  22522

Call: 1.866. 331.9474

Or the National Domestic Violence Hotline

1.800.799.SAFE (7233)

For assistance and information in our community visit:

Community Action Partnership https://caplanc.org/

DVS 717.299.1249 or Text: Safe to 65222

YWCA – https://ywcalancaster.org/