By Charles Lefebvre

Women’s Shelter marks Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Feb 14, 2019 | 3:46 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society is working to help teens recognize the signs of a healthy relationship.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Throughout the month, members of the Women’s Shelter Society have been visiting schools in the city, teaching junior high and high school aged students about what a healthy relationship looks like.

“This is about early intervention, about letting youth know that they have the right to a respectful, safe partner, and dating life and relationships,” said Peggy Revell, community education and awareness coordinator with the Women’s Shelter Society. “A lot of the lessons we’re teaching them also carry over into all of their relationships, whether it’s friends, family and parents.”

Revell says teen dating violence shares many of the same things the shelter sees in adult dating and intimate partner violence.

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“It’s physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, financial, digital,” she said. “Digital is a big one, because kids now a days have a lot of online presence, whether it’s constantly being connected to their cellphones or social media.”

Revell says there are certain signs of an unhealthy relationship teenagers and youth should be aware of, such as intense jealousy and controlling behaviour.

“Are they trying to isolate you? Are they trying to cut you off from friends, from family? Is it an ‘us versus the world’ romance?” she said. “Trust your gut if you don’t feel comfortable. We know what’s right or wrong, and if you aren’t sure, you can always check in with people.”

Parents should also play a role in helping prevent dating violence, by building a strong relationship with their children and having serious conversations, says Revell.

“You need to lead by example too,” she said. “Have healthy relationships in your own lives, and show them what it can be.”

The Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society maintains a 24-hour telephone support line. If you need help, call 403-529-1091.