Youth Voices in Action
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) — a time to pause, learn, and pay closer attention to how young people experience relationships.
Many people don’t realize that dating abuse among teens often shows up without physical violence. Nearly 1 in 3 teens in the U.S. experiences some form of dating abuse, including emotional pressure, control, or digital monitoring. These experiences often begin quietly, which is why awareness and early conversation matter.
This month, we’re grateful for a meaningful collaboration with Housatonic Valley Regional High School, where students in grades 9–12 were invited to design an awareness-raising sticker focused on healthy relationships. With support from health teachers Jeff Tripp and Jacquie Rice, art teachers Patricia Vanicky and Lilly Rand, and Principal Ian Strever, the project centered youth voice as an important part of prevention.
We extend special thanks to student artist Meriel H., whose design was selected, and to the HVRHS faculty who supported the printing and production of the stickers. When young people help shape the message, conversations about healthy relationships become more relevant — and more likely to resonate with their peers. This partnership reflects what early prevention can look like: informed, creative, and rooted in community.