OP-ED
KERA DAUGHTERY HCWC PREVENTION EDUCATOR
The following article is part one of a four-week series focusing on raising awareness about dating violence. February is Dating Violence Awareness month, and we hope to educate our community on this very important issue. 1 in 3 young people will experience dating violence in their lifetime. Locally, the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center has been serving victims of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and child abuse since 1978. Last year, HCWC served 2,277 victims of abuse (face-to-face) primarily from Hays and Caldwell Counties.
February is Dating Violence Awareness Month, a national effort to raise awareness about the impacts of abuse and encourage communities to support teens and young adults in seeking healthy relationships.
Through our prevention work in schools and in the community, we’ve witnessed firsthand how important education and advocacy are in giving teens a better understanding of healthy, unhealthy, and abusive dynamics in relationships and providing them with resources to seek support if needed. When we speak up and advocate for those experiencing abuse, we become a beacon of hope in our communities.
Here are some easy ways to get involved with Dating Violence Awareness Month:
•Familiarize yourself with your local dating violence resources. (Hays Caldwell Women Center hcwc.org)
•Wear orange on Tuesday, February 10th to raise awareness about dating violence and promote healthy relationships!
•Use our Take Action! Toolkit activities to actively engage your community in supporting survivors. (download at stopthehurt.org)
•Learn about healthy relationships. Start by visiting stopthehurt.org.
•Model healthy relationships in all your interactions.
Together, we can create communities that don’t tolerate violence and abuse!
We are committed to providing free, safe, and confidential services to victims of dating violence. If you are experiencing dating violence, please call our HELPLine 24/7 at 512396-4357. For additional information, visit our educational website: www.stopthehurt.org. HCWC’s Prevention Educators are available to give presentations and education about dating violence.
