BALTIMORE (Scripps News Baltimore) — February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. One nonprofit is doing its part to educate teens about this problem and how to avoid becoming a victim.
According to the CDC, one in every 12 teens reported experiencing physical dating violence in 2019. One in 12 experienced sexual dating violence.
One Love is working to change those numbers. It was founded by the family of Yeardley Love, who was killed by her boyfriend while both were students at the University of Virginia in 2010.
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FILE – In a March 8, 2009, photo, University of Virginia women?s lacrosse player Yeardley Love works with the ball in Charlottesville, Va. Nearly 12 years after Love was found dead, George Huguely, convicted of second-degree murder in her killing headed back to court for a civil trial. (AP Photo/The Daily Progress, Andrew Shurtleff, File)
Experts say oftentimes teens don’t report the violence because they’re afraid to tell family and friends. Or they aren’t aware that what is happening is not okay.
“There are so many kids out there who are going through abusive relationships they have absolutely no clue,” Collin McClelland, One Love Youth Leadership Coordinator, said. “They think what they’re going through is completely normal, happens to everyone and this is what I saw growing up. This is how it’s supposed to be.”
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One Love works with schools around the country to educate teens about dating violence. Boys’ Latin in Baltimore became the first all-boys school in the nation to join. They have a club that meets once a week for open discussion and activities.
“Definitely when I got into the club, I definitely learned a lot more about the unhealthy signs and healthy signs of a relationship,” Trace Davanzo, junior at Boys’ Latin said. “I definitely think we are spreading awareness throughout the whole school.”
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For more information about the One Love Foundation, click here.
This story was originally published Feb. 17, 2023 by WMAR in Baltimore, an E.W. Scripps Company.
