Courtney Denevi, BCBA, LBA, LCSW

Submitted photo

Courtney Pratt, LPC

Submitted photo

Matt Sandoval, LMSW

Submitted photo

• 
• 
• 

Learn More

For more information on Phoenix nonprofits Florence Crittenton and Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona, and how to get involved in their art and mentoring programs, visit www.flocrit.org and https://freeartsaz.org.

National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month is observed each February to raise awareness about teen dating violence and to provide resources for survivors. This initiative aims to educate communities, support victims and promote healthy relationship behaviors among adolescents.

Violent relationships during adolescence can have severe and lasting consequences, increasing the risk of substance abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual behavior and future experiences of domestic violence. Without proper support or preventive measures, dating violence may persist beyond adolescence and into adulthood.

Each year, nearly 1.5 million high school students across the U.S. experience physical abuse from a dating partner. However, many teens do not report these unhealthy behaviors due to fear or reluctance to confide in family and friends.

According to data from the CDC, Domestic Violence Services and Love is Respect, approximately 1 in 10 teens has experienced sexual dating violence, including physical harm such as hitting, slapping or other forms of abuse by a romantic partner.

Unhealthy, abusive or violent relationships negatively impact teens’ development, leading to a higher likelihood of depression, anxiety and antisocial behaviors such as lying, bullying or aggression. Additionally, exposure to dating violence is associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts.

 Here are some warning signs of teen dating violence:

• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Constantly communicating with their partner through text, calls or emails
• Giving up hobbies or activities that were once important to them
• Declining academic performance or frequent school absences
• Experiencing pressure from their partner regarding decisions, activities or appearance
• Feeling anxious about upsetting their partner
• Frequently apologizing for or justifying their partner’s behavior
• Unexplained injuries or attempts to conceal bruises or marks
• Having a partner who is extremely jealous or possessive
• Showing signs of depression or anxiety
• Having a partner who exhibits abusive behavior toward others or animals
• Suddenly changing their style of dress

It is important to recognize that while these warning signs are something to be aware of, they do not necessarily indicate that a teen is in an abusive relationship. Some of these behaviors also may be part of the natural changes that occur during adolescence. However, if multiple signs are present or if there are concerns about a teens’ well-being, it may be beneficial to seek guidance from a trusted adult or professional.

Building resilience through art and mentorship

Nonprofit Florence Crittenton provides critical support for vulnerable girls and young women in Arizona and is one of the few organizations offering gender-specific services. The organization operates a residential facility in midtown Phoenix, offering a therapeutic environment for youth who have experienced trauma, physical and sexual abuse, neglect, stigmatization, domestic and sexual violence, abandonment, homelessness, exploitation, addiction and mental illness.

Florence Crittenton and fellow nonprofit Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona have worked together to offer trauma-informed art activities with trained adult mentors for over 20 years. Free Arts partners with youth-serving agencies to provide trauma-informed art activities that transform trauma to resilience.

Together, the partnership demonstrates an essential way communities can support those who experience teen dating violence through trauma-informed mentoring programs. The data backs this up! Social science data clearly show that adolescent well-being outcomes are improved when teens have relationships with caring adults.

Roles like teacher, coach and mentor create stress-lowering relationships between teens and adults. These connections can provide safety and acceptance for those who have experienced adversity and trauma. The program partnership emphasizes how art + mentors = resilience.

Participating in the arts with mentors is beneficial because it allows adolescents who have experienced adversity or trauma to engage in a fun, relaxing atmosphere where everyone can feel the care of others and foster self-compassion.

These programs enable participants to access feelings and support while building skills and dreams of their future.

Editor’s note: Courtney Denevi is program director and Courtney Pratt is clinical director at Phoenix-based Florence Crittenton, Arizona’s second-oldest social service agency. Matt Sandoval is chief executive officer of Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona, a Phoenix nonprofit serving children and teens who have experienced the trauma of abuse, neglect and homelessness. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.