Unhealthy relationships can start at an early age, and these patterns of behavior can last a lifetime. One in three teens report being hit, slapped or pushed by a partner, and a quarter of high school girls have been a victim of physical or sexual abuse.¹

Focusing on teen dating violence can help prevent many issues, as victims of dating violence are at a higher risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, unplanned pregnancy, and STIs.² Violent behavior typically begins in the teenage years, and about 72% of eighth and ninth graders are “dating.”² Without intervention and awareness, these patterns will persist. Although more than two-thirds of victims never report the abuse to an adult, over 80% of high school counselors report that they feel unprepared to address abuse that occurs at their school.³ Engaging educators, parents, and teens can help break the pattern.

LoveSpeaksOut and My Next Girlfriend are two programs designed to combat teen dating violence. Developed by Dr. Shanti Kulkarni, a social work professor at UNC Charlotte in collaboration with local youth partners, these programs provide training and information to teens and adults to help combat teen dating violence. Both programs received funding from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services as part of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act.