Dating matters initiative

TDV is prevented when teens, families, organizations, and communities work together to implement effective prevention strategies. Preventing TDV requires a comprehensive approach involving diverse partnerships, working across multiple levels of the social ecological model , to influence the norms and behaviors of individuals, families, peer groups, schools, community and government organizations, neighborhoods, and the society at large see figure above. The table below provides a list of some evidence-based TDV prevention programs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC has developed technical packages to help states and communities take advantage of the best available evidence to prevent violence. The technical package has three components.

Dating Matters is part of CDC's Veto Violence initiative and is minute online course which is available at no cost to educators, school personnel, youth mentors, and others who are interested in improving teen health. Follow a school administrator throughout his day as he highlights what teen dating violence is and how to prevent it through graphic novel scenarios, interactive exercises, and information gathered from dating violence experts. This interactive training is designed to help educators, youth-serving organizations, and others working with teens understand the risk factors and warning signs associated with teen dating violence. Participants also learn ways to promote healthy relationship behaviors. A variety of resources are available and can downloaded.

Teen dating violence TDV occurs between two people in a close relationship and includes four types of behavior: physical violence, sexual violence, stalking and psychological aggression. TDV can take place in person or electronically, and it affects millions of U. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC , nearly one in nine female teens and one in 13 male teens report experiencing physical dating violence in the last 12 months. Additionally, approximately one in seven female teens and one in nine male teens report experiencing sexual dating violence in the last 12 months. Unhealthy relationships during adolescence can disrupt emotional development and contribute to other long-term negative effects.

One important component of a comprehensive approach to teen dating violence prevention is ensuring that the best available data, evidence, and practice are included in policy development, implementation, and evaluation. Important considerations to keep in mind when informing policy. Worksheets, tools and resources related to policy efforts, reaching consensus, evaluation, and partnership building.