In the continuing effort to provide education about domestic and dating violence  Andrea Malone, Jackson Parish DART Rural Advocate, sends an important reminder that February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. 

Defining Teen Dating Violence
Dating violence is when someone you are seeing romantically harms you in some way, whether it is physically, sexually, emotionally, or all three. About 1 in 12 high school students experience physical dating violence. 
What are the consequences?
Unhealthy, abusive, or violent relationships can have short-and long-term negative effects, including severe consequences, on a developing teen. Youth who are victims of teen dating violence are more likely to:
• experience depression and anxiety symptoms
• engage in unhealthy behaviors, like using tobacco, drugs, and alcohol
• exhibit antisocial behaviors, like lying, theft, bullying, or hitting
• think about suicide
Violence in an adolescent relationship sets the stage for future relationship problems, including intimate partner violence and sexual violence perpetration and/or victimization throughout life. For example, youth who are victims of dating violence in high school are at higher risk for victimization during college.
How can we prevent teen dating violence?
Supporting healthy, nonviolent relationships could reduce TDV and prevent its harmful, long-lasting effects on individuals, their families, and their communities. During the pre-teen and teen years, it is critical for youth to begin learning skills to create and maintain healthy relationships, including managing feelings and communicating in a healthy way. Research also highlights the need for prevention efforts that address the unique needs of teens who are at greater risk of experiencing teen dating violence.
Warning Signs
It can be difficult to tell the difference between a healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationship. While there are many warning signs of abuse, here are ten of the most common to look for:
Checking your cell phone or email without permission
Possessiveness
Constant put-downs
Telling you what to do.
Extreme jealousy or insecurity
Explosive temper
Isolating you from family or friends
Making false accusations
Mood swings