Each February, communities across the country come together to recognize Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) — a nationwide effort to raise awareness, promote prevention, and empower young people to build healthy relationships rooted in respect.
Teen dating violence affects millions of young people each year and can have lasting impacts on physical safety, emotional well-being, and mental health. TDVAM is more than a moment of recognition — it’s a call to action. By focusing on primary prevention, TDVAM encourages us to stop dating violence before it starts by fostering relationships grounded in communication, consent, and mutual respect.
Why TDVAM Matters
TDVAM isn’t just about acknowledging the problem — it’s about creating change. This national initiative emphasizes:
- Education: Increasing awareness about teen dating violence and helping young people recognize warning signs early.
- Advocacy: Promoting open, honest conversations about what healthy and unhealthy relationships look like.
- Empowerment: Equipping teens, caregivers, educators, and communities with tools to support respectful, consent-driven relationships.
When schools, organizations, families, and communities engage together, they create environments where young people feel safe sharing their experiences, asking questions, and seeking support. These conversations are proactive steps toward building a culture that rejects dating violence and centers dignity, equality, and care.
TDVAM 2026 Theme: Real Love Respects
This year’s TDVAM campaign, led by love is respect, centers on the theme Real Love Respects.
Respect isn’t vague or passive — it’s an action and a mindset. Real love means:
- Listening to your partner’s perspective
- Respecting boundaries
- Valuing autonomy
- Communicating honestly and safely
Throughout February, this theme invites all of us to reflect on how respect shows up in our relationships — and how we can model it for the young people in our lives.
How You Can Make a Difference This February
TDVAM is an opportunity for all of us to be part of the solution. Here are a few ways to get involved:
- Spread Awareness: Share facts, resources, and messages about teen dating violence on social media and in your community.
- Start Conversations: Talk with teens and young adults about healthy relationships, boundaries, and mutual respect.
- Engage Locally: Host workshops, classroom discussions, or community activities that center consent and relationship skills.
- Support Survivors: Share resources and create safe spaces where young people can seek help without judgment.
By reinforcing values like respect, empathy, and communication, we can help ensure that every young person feels empowered to build relationships that are safe and affirming.
Get Involved on Social Media
Thank you for amplifying messages about teen dating violence through social media and other platforms. Collective voices matter — and together, we can help end dating violence.
Follow & tag love is respect:
- Facebook: love is respect
- Instagram & TikTok: @loveisrespectofficial
Hashtags to use:
- #RealLoveRespects
- #TDVAM2026 and #TDVAM26
- #loveisrespect
Community members are encouraged to adapt messages to reflect their own voice — authenticity helps these messages travel further and resonate more deeply.
Respect Week 2026 Highlights
Respect Week is a national initiative during TDVAM that centers daily themes around healthy relationships.
Monday, February 9 – Real Love Respects Your Boundaries
Boundaries help love grow. Reflect on how setting and honoring boundaries strengthens relationships.
Tuesday, February 10 – Wear Orange Day
Orange is the color of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Wear orange to show solidarity and raise awareness that everyone deserves a healthy, violence-free relationship.
Wednesday, February 11 – Real Love Respects Your Perspective
Media often shapes how we understand love. Take time to reflect on what healthy — and unhealthy — relationships look like on screen.
Thursday, February 12 – Real Love Respects the Vibe
Music can affirm, empower, and uplift. Share songs or lyrics that make you feel valued, respected, and seen.
Friday, February 13 – Real Love Respects
Close out the week by reflecting on what respect truly means in love: safe, equal, and honest.
Upcoming TDVAM Events
(click on each event to learn more)
- Friday, February 13- Student-Led Prevention That Works: Tools, Structure, and Real Youth Engagement
- Thursday, February 26 – Film Screening: The Last Drop
Additional national events and activities will be shared throughout the month.
Resources & Support
If you or someone you know has questions about dating or is concerned about a relationship, help is available.
love is respect, a project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, offers:
- A 24/7 helpline
- Live chat and text support
- Educational tools and social media resources for TDVAM
Text LOVEIS to 22522
Visit loveisrespect.org
As we observe Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month 2026, let’s recommit to education, advocacy, and action. Together, we can help create a future where every young person knows their worth and feels supported in building relationships grounded in trust, kindness, and respect.
