February 8th is Wear Orange Day to raise awareness for teenage dating violence
Media Contact: Lucie Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications; lucie@eafocus.com; 248.925.6726
Mount Clemens, Mich.—February 3, 2022— Although February is a month that hosts a day dedicated to romance and love with the celebration of Valentine’s Day, it is also Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. Turning Point, an agency whose mission is to empower domestic and sexual violence survivors through comprehensive services and resources, observes the importance of this month’s cause. Turning Point’s Chief Engagement and Education Officer, Sara Dobbyn, has counseled teenagers who experience dating violence and explains how it can go unnoticed.
“Teens experience many of the same abuse tactics as adults; however, because they aren’t living together or considered old enough to be in a serious relationship, it isn’t identified as abuse,” Dobbyn said. “We normalize jealousy as a partner really caring about you, when in reality it’s a warning sign of controlling behaviors.”
According to Love Is Respect, a National Domestic Violence Hotline project for young people between the ages of 13 and 26, one in three teens in the US will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse in a relationship before they become adults. Turning Point offers tools to help prevent and address teen dating violence, including:
- Presentations for parents that cover tips on talking to children about relationships.
- Free services for teens, including individual counseling.
- Dating violence education sessions for middle and high school youth throughout Macomb County that teaches teens how to avoid it and/or report it.
Bringing attention to teen dating violence is critical. Tuesday, February 8th, is Wear Orange Day to help spread awareness of teen dating violence. Love Is Respect notes that nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a single year.
“Through my previous work in counseling, I witnessed the devastating impact teen dating violence can have on youth and families, so it’s something I’m very passionate about. I want to ensure people are aware of how Turning Point can help with teen dating violence, especially for teens who might not be comfortable discussing the issue with their parents,” Dobbyn shared.
Turning Point is always available to help those impacted by or who may know someone involved in teenage dating violence. For assistance, call 586-463-4430 to connect with an advocate/counselor.
About Turning Point
Turning Point provides comprehensive, free, and confidential programs for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors, their loved ones, and the community. Services include a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, housing, trauma advocacy/counseling, personal protection order assistance, legal advocacy, forensic nurse exams, first response advocacy, prevention, and community education. Second Hand Rose, another Turning Point service, provides survivors with gently used items while providing an opportunity for the community to donate and shop. Serving Metro Detroit for 41 years, Turning Point has helped over 100,000 survivors. Visit www.turningpointmacomb.org for more information.