Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month: Real Love Respects

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) - a time to talk openly about healthy relationships and how to prevent abuse among young people.

This year’s theme, Real Love Respects, reminds us that respect is non-negotiable in every relationship. Whether your teen is just beginning to explore dating or navigating more serious connections, respect should always be at the core.

Why This Matters for Delaware Families

As parents and caregivers, we want our children to grow up in safe, loving environments - and that extends to their friendships and romantic relationships. But young people don’t always know what healthy looks like or how to spot warning signs early.

Here’s what the research tells us:

• Nearly 1 in 3 teens in the U.S. experiences physical, emotional, or verbal abuse from a dating partner.

• Both girls and boys are affected - with girls slightly more often reporting physical dating violence, and boys reporting emotional abuse at similar rates.

• Teens in communities with strong family support are more likely to recognize healthy behaviors and set boundaries.

These numbers remind us that dating violence isn’t rare - but it is preventable when adults talk about respect, boundaries, and care.

What ‘Real Love Respects’ Really Means

A joyful teen couple enjoying a relaxed moment together against a brick wall backdrop

Respect in a relationship looks like:

• Listening without judgment: Everyone deserves to be heard.

• Honoring boundaries: Emotional, physical, and digital boundaries matter.

• Validating feelings: We don’t dismiss someone’s emotions - we take them seriously.

• Being trustworthy: Respect grows from consistency and honesty.

Respect isn’t just something teens should feel - it’s something they deserve and can name.

How Families Can Support Teens

A teenage girl embraces an elderly family member with warmth and love

Here are simple ways families in Delaware can engage:

• Start the conversation early and often. Talk about respect like you talk about school or chores - as part of everyday life.

• Listen more than you lecture. Teens are more likely to open up when they feel safe and not judged.

• Discuss healthy use of technology. Digital boundaries matter - from sharing pictures to social media check-ins.

• Model respect in your own relationships. Kids learn by watching how we treat others.

Signs a Relationship Might Be Unhealthy

A healthy relationship respects both people. If your teen or their friend experiences:

• Excessive jealousy or monitoring

• Pressuring for affection or silence when upset

• Respectful communication that quickly turns hostile

• Insults, name-calling, or ignoring boundaries

  
  

These signs deserve attention and care. These can often develreop into red flags and this behavior should be monitored for frequency. If these experiences are happening often that is a sign that the relationship is unhealthy.

You’re Not Alone

A compassionate therapist offers support and understanding to a teenage girl during a counseling session, demonstrating empathy and care

In Delaware, trusted resources exist for teens and families. If you notice concerning behaviors, reaching out to a school counselor, pediatrician, local support organization, or Mother, Baby, & Beyond can help guide next steps and provide support.

Real love respects every voice, every boundary, and every identity. Parents, caregivers, and community members play an important role in helping teens understand what healthy relationships look like and feel like.

Every young person in Delaware deserves to know:

Real Love Respects.

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