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 9, 2012 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

The State Alliance on Healthy Youth Relationships (SAHYR), lead by the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women, is proud to release Preventing Teen Dating Violence: A Plan for Healthy Youth Relationships in Minnesota (click here to access full report). Minnesota was one of six states chosen by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2009, to conduct an 18 month data collection project looking specifically at the prevention of teen dating violence. The project brought together over 20 agencies including state coalitions, non-profit organizations and state agencies.  The SAHYR conducted over 80 in-person interview and over 20 youth focus groups along with countless other contacts to develop this state plan. The plan lays out 5 specific ways that teen dating violence can be prevented in Minnesota. Over the 18 month period of this project, 11 people ages 21 and under were murdered due to dating violence. We know that dating violence is 100% preventable. Please join us as we spread the message to youth across the state. Please follow the listed link to review the plan and its recommendation. 

Please join us in thanking Verizon Hope Line and the TJX Foundation for their generous donations to the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women so that the Coalition can begin the implementation phase of the project this year. 

February 18, 2012 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

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