By Mary Goldmeer
Mail

Gov. Katie Hobbs has proclaimed February 2025 as teen dating violence awareness and prevention month in Arizona.

Teen dating violence remains a serious issue across the United States, affecting young individuals regardless of their race, gender, socioeconomic status, religion, nationality, or sexual orientation. According to Love Is Respect a National Domestic Violence Hotline and the Center for Prevention of Abuse, statistics show that:

• One in three U.S. teens will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from a partner before reaching adulthood.
• Nearly one in nine female teens and one in eleven male teens have reported experiencing physical dating violence within the past year.
• About one in eleven female and one in thirty-three male high school students have experienced sexual dating violence in the last year.
• Over 16 million women and 11 million men who reported experiencing intimate partner violence first encountered it before the age of 18.

Each year, February serves as a national platform for organizations and advocates to emphasize the importance of healthy relationships. The 2025 Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month theme, “Respect That,” was chosen by the Love Is Respect Youth Council. The theme encourages young people to embrace respect as an active and transformative force in relationships, emphasizing dignity, autonomy, and mutual understanding.

“Embracing who you are and making choices that reflect your true self is not only fulfilling but vital to having the life and relationships you deserve. Knowing your worth and recognizing that your individuality adds something special to the world is essential,” stated Love is Respect director Angela Lee. "I want you to remember that demanding respect is not defined by others or societal norms. Instead, it is defined by how you see yourself and show up in your relationships.

Understanding the warning signs of an unhealthy or abusive relationship is crucial in prevention efforts. Signs of dating abuse can include:

• Constant put-downs or belittling comments
• Excessive control over social interactions or online activity
• Explosive temper or unpredictable anger
• Physical harm or threats of violence
• Pressuring a partner into unwanted actions, including sexual activity

Arizona is home to several organizations working to prevent teen dating violence and support survivors. Kaity’s Way, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting healthy relationships, was founded in 2008 by Bobbi and Ric Sudberry in honor of their daughter, Kaitlyn (Kaity) Marie Sudberry, who was killed by an ex-boyfriend at age 17. Since its inception, Kaity’s Way has reached over 100,000 people through educational workshops and advocacy programs.

“There are many teenagers that do not feel like they can talk to someone, that they are alone. It is our jobs as friends, family, coaches and as human beings to show them that they are not alone,” said Nina Ciotla, Kaity’s Way volunteer and teen dating violence survivor.

In 2022, Kaity’s Way became a program of the New Life Center, Arizona’s largest domestic violence and sexual assault refuge. New Life Center, based in the West Valley, provides comprehensive survivor support services, including emergency shelter, trauma counseling, legal assistance, and educational outreach to help individuals rebuild their lives free from abuse.

Throughout February, New Life Center’s Prevention Department has conducted outreach at various events and locations, including: Agua Fria High School Caregiver Workshop, Phoenix Community College, Estrella Mountain Community College, Paradise Valley Community College Mental Health and Wellness Fair, Ability 360, Perryville Women's Prison Health and Wellness Fair, Sierra Linda High School Resource Fair, West View High School Resource Fair, La Joya High School Resource Fair and Copper Canyon High School Resource Fair.

“These initiatives are part of our ongoing commitment to educate the community about the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships, communication, consent, and resources available for those in need. By fostering awareness and providing education, we aim to prevent teen dating violence and promote safe, respectful relationships among young people,” said New Life Center’s interim CEO Kate Thoene. “Together, we can work towards a society where every individual feels safe, valued, and respected.”

Hobbs’ proclamation serves as a reminder that raising awareness about teen dating violence is essential to breaking the cycle of abuse. Through continued education, advocacy, and support, Arizona aims to foster healthy relationships for future generations.

For more information on Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month and how you can get involved, visit www.loveisrespect.org or reach out to local organizations supporting survivors and prevention initiatives.