February is ‘Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month’

MAT-SU — Valentine’s Day does not always mean romance for those in a relationship — specifically local teens. That’s why February has been designated Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

But the 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, an anonymous survey by Alaska Health and Social Services, reports some startling numbers.

According to the survey, 12 percent of the 1,327 youth at 40 Alaska schools who successfully completed the survey reported being physically abused by their boyfriend or girlfriend, and 9.2 percent reported forced sex.

For those who know someone in an abusive relationship or who are in an abusive relationship, help is available. Alaska Family Services runs a crisis line at 746-4080, and websites like loveisrespect.org offer live chats with advocates and advice on how to leave the relationship or help a friend.

To get educated on signs of abuse, or learn about the campaigns working nationwide, visit loveisrepect.org or teendvmonth.org.