February 10, 2026
Media Contact: Dr. Zelalem Attlee, Zelalem.Attlee@vdh.virginia.gov.
Real Love Respects
The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Highlights Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
Warrenton, Va. – February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District reminds teens and the community what love is. Love should feel safe and supportive, not controlling or frightening.
Teen dating violence is more common than you might realize. In the U.S., 1 in 10 teens experienced some sort of dating violence. It can happen in person, online, or via text messages.
Dating violence can include:
- Psychological and Emotional Abuse: When someone uses words or behaviors to control their partner, destroy the partner’s self-confidence/esteem, or keep them away from other people.
- Physical Abuse: Hitting, shoving or intentionally injuring a partner.
- Sexual Abuse: To pressure or force another person to have sex, including when the partner is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Stalking: Repeated unwanted attention.
Unhealthy relationships can have long-term effects on physical and mental health. They thrive in isolation. It’s important for teens to maintain relationships with friends and family while dating. Parents and mentors should ask teens about their relationships and create an atmosphere where they can be honest without the fear of judgement or getting in trouble.
Parents, schools, and communities must model and promote healthy, supportive relationships.
“Real love is built on respect, trust, and safety,” said Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Director J. Carr, M.D. “During Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, we want young people to know that healthy relationships never involve control, fear, or harm, and help is always available.”
People can help by sharing posts on social media. They can talk with teens about healthy relationships and support survivors without judgment.
Learning the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships helps young people make safer dating choices.
Healthy relationships
- Respecting each other’s feelings and boundaries
- Honesty
- Equality
- Both people consent or agree freely
- Making your own choices
- Feeling safe
Unhealthy relationships
- Checking your phone
- Controlling who you can be friends with
- Excessive texts or calls
- Explosive temper
- Threatening or causing physical violence
- Pressuring a partner into unwanted sexual activity
If you or someone you know is in an unhealthy relationship, free and confidential help is available 24/7 at these resources:
- Action Alliance
- 1-800-838-8238 (Talk)
- 804-793-9999 (Text)
- Virginia Family Violence & Sexual Assault Hotline
- 1-800-838-8238
- Love Is Respect
Leaving an unhealthy relationship is hard, but it’s crucial for your safety and mental health. For more information, contact the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District at (www.rrhd.org).
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