Join The Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women in Recognizing February as Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness Month.

The month of February is recognized nationally as Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness Month. According to the National Council on Crime and Delinquency, “Approximately one in three adolescent girls in the United States is a victim of physical, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner”– a figure that far exceeds victimization rates for other types of violence affecting youth. The Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women’s Femicide Report indicates that 5 Minnesotans between the ages of 16-21 were murdered due to teen dating violence in 2011. Teen dating violence has lasting ramifications for its victims .The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that “Dating violence can have a negative effect on health throughout life. Teens who are victims are more likely to be depressed and do poorly in school… unhealthy behaviors, like using drugs and alcohol3, and are more likely to have eating disorders. Some teens even think about or attempt suicide.

The Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women is working with adults and youth across the state to prevent and address Teen Dating Violence. Please join us in the activities listed below to show your support for Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness Month.

February 9nd 2012 10 am -12 pm  
Minnesota Department  of Health and MCBW will host a report release for the State Teen Dating Violence Prevention Plan, a product of an 18 month information collection project funded by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The Event will be at the Minnesota Department of Health Office located at 1645 Energy Park Drive Saint Paul, MN 55108.

February 18th 10am-3pm
MCBW will hold its annual Teen Leadership Summit at the Mall of America. Teens from across the state will gather for a fun filled day of activities and discussion about leadership development, teen dating violence and other related subjects.

Purple Peace Zone
MCBW will re-launch its Purple Peace Zone Campaign with 2 contests in the month of February. The first contest is The Paint Your Purple Peace Zone contest which consists of making a teen dating violence prevention display.  The second contest is The Paint the Town Purple contests which consist of wearing purple in recognition of TDV awareness. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes will be awarded for both contests. Full descriptions of the contests are available now.  Starter kits for Paint Your Purple Peace Zone contest will be available upon request starting February 1st.

For more information on Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month activities or registration information for the Teen Leadership Summit please contact Sasha Cotton, MCBW Prevention Specialist at 651-646-6177 x 27 or scotton@mcbw.org