Sue Scheff: National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month

This month is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. Since 2006 Congress has officially recognized the first week in February as "National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week," and this year, for the first time, Congress has designated the entire month as a time to raise awareness of this important issue!

You can do your part to raise awareness of teen dating violence and abuse this month by encouraging people to join the MADE (Moms And Dads for Education To Stop Teen Dating Abuse) movement! ANYONE can join the MADE coalition by visiting: http://www.loveisnotabuse.com/made/petition.html

Parents need to open the lines of communication with their teens. Love is Not Abuse is an organization that provides information and tools that men, women, children, teens and corporate executives can use to learn more about the issue and find out how they can help end this epidemic of domestic violence.

Love is Not Abuse also offers a Parent's Guide to Teen Dating Violence. This can help you to start the conversation. Also visit Love is Respect for more valuable information.

During this month of February when love is in the air, take the time to show your love to your kids and sit down and talk about this serious subject. If you are a teacher, please take a few minutes to discuss this topic. You never know who is listening and what you may be preventing.

Happy Valentine's Day and remember, it is not about "being mine" as it is about "being kind."

Pass it on.  Watch video.

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