Did you know that nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a single year? Unfortunately, as common as teen dating violence is, only 33% of teens who were in an abusive relationship ever told anyone.

The month of February is Teen Dating Violence Month and it helps people come together to bring awareness about abusive relationships within teen couples and about programs to help those experiencing it. GRB helped raised awareness with “Wear Orange Day” on February 11.

Along with “Wear Orange Day”, for the first time GRB had an art contest where students created posters to promote positive healthy relationships. A winner will be picked at the end of the month.

Senior Rebecca Bailey said, "I think it's really cool we had an art contest to express healthy relationships."

Abuse in relationships can be physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal, and can even include stalking. Everyone should know the difference between what is healthy and what is abusive. Although teen dating violence is common, it tends to be looked over by adults.

Eighty-one percent of parents believe that teen dating violence is not an issue or they do not know if it is an issue. It is time to spread awareness about how often teens experience abuse in relationships and how to help.

Senior Mark Tallents said, "Teen dating violence is a plague in our society. We should teach our children to learn to respect their partners for the betterment of society."

GRB is fortunate enough to have resources in our building where students can go talk to someone about abuse they are experiencing.

GRB’s school-based advocate Ms. Petro said, “I think the school has a lot of really great support systems available.”

Room 181 is always open for all students and the 24-7 crisis hotline is 315 - 342 - 1600. If you or a friend is experiencing teen dating violence, you can visit Ms. Petro in room 181 or call the hotline. Please reach out.