February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM)—a national campaign dedicated to raising awareness about teen dating violence, promoting healthy relationships, and providing prevention education. Throughout the month, Empower Yolo’s youth programs lead awareness efforts that educate teens, highlight these critical issues, and empower young people to recognize, prevent, and help end dating abuse.
Dating violence is more common than many people realize, especially among teens and young adults. In fact, 1 in 3 U.S. teens will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they’re in a relationship with before becoming adults. Additionally, nearly 43% of U.S. college women report experiencing violent or abusive dating behaviors. see loveisrespect.org/tdvam/.
“TDVAM is important to highlight with students because many young people experience unhealthy relationship behaviors without realizing they are harmful,” says Daniela Talavera Rangel, Director of Youth Programs at Empower Yolo. Adolescence is often when teens begin to form their first romantic relationships, and without guidance, behaviors such as control, jealousy, emotional manipulation, or pressure around boundaries can feel “normal,” says Talavera Rangel.
By highlighting TDVAM, Empower Yolo’s After School Safety and Enrichment for Teens (ASSETs) program at Woodland and Pioneer High Schools creates intentional space for students to learn what healthy relationships look like and to reflect on their own experiences. These conversations help students recognize red flags, build self-worth, and understand that they deserve relationships rooted in respect, safety, and mutual care. TDVAM also reinforces that support is available and that students are not alone if they need help.
Throughout February, ASSETs will focus on healthy relationships through its student-driven campaign, “Know Your Worth, Set Your Boundaries.” The theme was chosen by students and reflects their need for support in understanding self-worth, personal boundaries, and how those values show up in relationships.
The TDVAM campaign will be implemented through presentations and workshops during Our Strength, ASSETs’ preventative education and social-emotional learning curriculum. Students will engage in guided discussions around boundaries, respect, communication, and recognizing unhealthy behaviors. ASSETs staff will also host lunchtime events to increase visibility, reach a broader group of students, share resources, and normalize conversations about healthy relationships.
“These activities are designed to be accessible, student-informed, and trauma-informed, while meeting students where they are and reinforcing positive, empowering messages,” adds Talavera Rangel.
ASSETs staff continue to see many students struggle to identify unhealthy relationship dynamics, especially emotional and verbal behaviors. “Some students describe experiences involving jealousy, constant communication expectations, pressure to ignore boundaries, or feeling responsible for someone else’s emotions. These behaviors are often minimized or normalized through peers, social media, or past experiences,” emphasizes Talavera Rangel.
The ASSETs program supports students by creating safe and trusting environments where they can talk openly without judgment. “Through Our Strength programming, relationship-focused discussions, and one-on-one support, students are encouraged to reflect on their experiences, recognize red flags, and build confidence in setting boundaries. When concerns arise, ASSETs staff work closely with partners to ensure students are connected to appropriate support and resources,” says Talavera Rangel.
ASSETs provides education, prevention, and connection to support for students impacted by teen dating violence or unhealthy relationships. Students are referred to Empower Yolo’s services and resources to ensure they are aware of and connected to advocacy, counseling, and additional support when needed. The program also offers presentations and workshops focused on healthy relationships, boundaries, and consent, as well as trusted, trauma-informed staff who can listen, support, and guide students toward help.
“Our approach is meant to prioritize safety, confidentiality, and empowerment, helping students feel supported and informed when navigating relationships,” says Talavera Rangel.
In addition to ASSETs, Empower Youth, a community service club at Davis Senior High School (DHS), will also lead a TDVAM awareness campaign in February. The club supports Empower Yolo’s domestic violence shelter and raises awareness about issues impacting teens, including teen dating violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and healthy relationships.
Empower Youth’s TDVAM 2026 theme will highlight the Love is Respect National Youth Council campaign, “Real Love Respects.” The campaign focuses on what real love should look and feel like, empowering youth to recognize harmful patterns early and to expect more from their relationships. Because respect is everything—it’s earned, honest, and never makes someone question their worth. As Empower Youth President at DHS Izzy Churchward explains, “Genuine respect in a relationship is respecting boundaries and communicating in a healthy manner. Communication isn’t just talking; it requires listening and understanding from both people.”
“It’s important to highlight TDVAM so teens can know the signs of an unhealthy and potentially dangerous relationship. It can also empower them to get out of those relationships,” says Shalini Elson, Empower Youth junior class president at DHS.
Planned activities for the Empower Youth TDVAM campaign include promoting Wear Orange Day on Tuesday, February 10 to raise awareness about teen dating abuse, hosting an awareness presentation for club members, and creating Valentine’s Day cards and treats for children at Empower Yolo’s shelter.
The community plays an essential role in supporting youth and preventing teen dating violence. Community members can help by encouraging open conversations about healthy relationships, modeling respect and boundary-setting, and supporting youth-serving programs like ASSETs and Empower Yolo through donations at empoweryolo.org.
“To support healthy relationships, schools need to provide prevention education and support services for students to easily access,” says Churchward.
Community members can also volunteer through Empower Yolo’s upcoming peer counselor training, a five-week hybrid program combining virtual and in-person sessions with weekly asynchronous assignments. Training begins March 28. Applications are due Friday, March 13 and are available at empoweryolo.org.
Additional ways to get involved include participating in awareness efforts, sharing resources, collaborating on prevention initiatives, and advocating for programs that prioritize youth well-being. When schools, families, and community partners work together, teens are more likely to feel supported, informed, and empowered to seek help. We also welcome the opportunity for community-based organizations and our partners to join us in our efforts to raise awareness and prevent teen dating violence.