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Dear Partners,
We’re recognizing Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month by highlighting ways to help young people build healthy, respectful relationships and connect to support when they need it. Dating can be a new and exciting phase in teens’ lives, one that helps them learn more about themselves and sets the stage for future relationships. But for too many young people, dating can also include violence that causes short- and long-term harm to their physical and mental health. When adults and communities help teens recognize warning signs, practice respectful communication, and set healthy boundaries, we reduce the risk of dating violence and support safer relationship patterns into adulthood. Just as important, we can make sure teens know where to turn for help and that support is available without judgment.
To help you spark conversations and engage your community, we encourage you to explore Love is Respect’s 2026 Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month Action Guide, which includes practical ideas for awareness activities, messaging, and outreach throughout the month.
We also recommend taking a look at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Dating Matters program, an evidence-based approach that offers prevention strategies across multiple levels including individuals, peers, families, schools, and neighborhoods. Dating Matters focuses on building healthy relationship skills for youth ages 11 to 14, before many begin dating.
Before closing, we also want to highlight National Burn Awareness Week (February 1 - 7, 2026). Burns are among the most preventable injuries, yet they can result in hospitalization and long recovery periods. Children are especially vulnerable due to their natural curiosity, limited hazard awareness, and difficulty responding quickly in unsafe situations.
CSN’s Burn Awareness Week resources:
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