FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 26, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

Real Love Respects

RHHD Highlights Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

RICHMOND, Va. – February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Richmond and Henrico Health Districts remind teens and the community what love is. Love should feel safe and supportive, not controlling or frightening.

Teen dating violence is more common than many might realize. In the U.S., 1 in 10 teens experienced some form of dating violence. It can happen in person, online, or through text messages. Experiencing relationship violence during adolescence is linked to higher risk of depression, anxiety, substance use, and future relationship violence.

“Healthy relationships are a key part of overall health and well-being, especially for young people,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Population Health Manager, Tamara Jones-Groves. “When teens can recognize the difference between caring and controlling behaviors, they are better prepared to build safe relationships, protect their mental health, and seek help when something doesn’t feel right.”

Dating violence can include:

• Psychological and Emotional Abuse: Using words or behaviors to control their partner, destroy the partner’s self-confidence or esteem, or keep them away from other people.
• Physical Abuse: Hitting, shoving or intentionally injuring a partner.
• Sexual Abuse: Pressuring or forcing 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 talk with teens about relationships and create an environment where they can be honest without the fear of judgement or getting in trouble.

Understand the difference between caring and controlling

According to Nisa Foundation, a caring healthy partner respects and values their significant other’s independence and individuality. They understand the importance of maintaining separate identities and encourage their partner to pursue their own interests and relationships outside of the partnership.

A controlling partner’s behavior often aims to lessen their own anxiety by eliminating uncertainty or doubt in the relationship. Past trauma may contribute to the need for control. Control may take the form of criticism, threats, humiliation, and isolation. To maintain perceived control, individuals may blame others or manipulate events.

Controlling behavior may make someone feel like they have no autonomy or independence. Over time, this can lead to feelings of suffocation, loss of self-esteem, and decreased confidence in their abilities and decisions.

Parents, schools, and communities play an important role in modeling and promoting healthy, supportive relationships. Support can include sharing posts on social media, talking with teens about healthy relationships, and supporting survivors without judgment.

Understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships

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
• Support for individual growth
• Feeling safe
• Willingness to work through conflicts

Unhealthy relationships

• Lack of respect for each other’s feelings and boundaries
• 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

Other ways to help

No one is alone.  If someone is experiencing dating violence, call 911 or reach out to one of the resources listed below.

• YWCA Help Line (call or text)
  • 804-612-6126
• 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 can be hard, but safety and mental health matters.

Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook.

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Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are sister public health agencies serving our connected communities. Our mission is to protect health, champion equity, and partner to address local needs.

rhhd.gov | henrico.gov/health | RHHD Facebook | IG: @richmondcity_hd