Education Is Prevention: How Communities Can Support Safer Schools

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Preventing domestic and sexual violence begins long before a crisis occurs. One of the most impactful ways community members can support their local advocacy programs is by investing in prevention education that helps young people build healthy, respectful relationships.

Organizations like Someplace Safe demonstrate how education can create lasting change. Through partnerships with schools and communities, Someplace Safe offers age-appropriate educational opportunities that teach students about healthy relationships, consent, personal boundaries, bullying prevention, digital safety, and bystander intervention. Staff and volunteers also provide specialized training for educators, professionals, parents, and community groups, equipping adults with the knowledge and skills to recognize warning signs, respond appropriately, and foster safer environments for youth.

Community members play an essential role in making these programs possible. You can:

  • Advocate for evidence-based healthy relationship and violence prevention education in local schools.
  • Encourage your local school districts and community organizations to partner with advocacy programs like Someplace Safe for student presentations and professional trainings.
  • Volunteer, donate, or attend fundraising events that help sustain prevention and education initiatives.
  • Reinforce these lessons at home by having open conversations with young people about respect, communication, consent, and healthy relationships.

When schools, families, and advocacy organizations work together, prevention becomes a shared responsibility. Every classroom presentation, educator training, and community workshop helps create a culture where respect is expected, harmful behaviors are recognized early, and young people know how to seek help for themselves or others.

Supporting education is one of the most meaningful investments we can make in the future. By strengthening prevention efforts today through organizations like Someplace Safe, we help build safer schools, healthier relationships, and stronger communities for generations to come.

Learn more about Someplace Safe’s training and education programming HERE.

Watch for Signs During Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

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Each February, young adults and their loved ones nationwide raise awareness about teen dating violence through Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM). This annual, month-long effort focuses on advocacy and education to stop dating abuse before it starts.

Dating violence is more common than you may think, especially among teens and young adults: 1 in 3 U.S. teens will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they’re in a relationship with before becoming adults. And nearly half (43%) of U.S. college women report experiencing violent or abusive dating behaviors.

It’s important to seek help if you see signs that a relationship is unhealthy or becoming abusive. Teens can pay attention to these warning signs:

  • Emotional Abuse:

    • Constant criticism or insults: Being called names, put down, or constantly criticized.
    • Extreme jealousy or possessiveness: Wanting to know your every move, controlling who you see or talk to.
    • Isolation: Being pressured to spend all your time with them and cut off contact with friends and family.
    • Threats and intimidation: Being threatened with harm, either physical or emotional.
    • Controlling behavior: Making decisions for you, telling you what to wear or how to act.

  • Physical Abuse:

    • Hitting, slapping, kicking, or shoving.
    • Any form of unwanted physical contact.

  • Sexual Abuse:

    • Unwanted sexual touching or pressure to have sex.
    • Sharing sexually explicit photos without consent.
    • Coercion or pressure to engage in sexual activity.

  • Technological Abuse:

    • Constant texting or calling.
    • Monitoring social media activity.
    • Demanding passwords to phones or social media accounts.
    • Posting embarrassing or private photos or videos online without consent.

  • Other Signs:

    • Unexplained injuries.
    • Sudden changes in behavior, mood, or appearance.
    • Withdrawal from friends and family.
    • Loss of interest in hobbies or activities.
    • Low self-esteem.
    • Fear or anxiety around their partner.

Important Note: If you or someone you know is experiencing dating violence, please reach out for help. You are not alone.

  • Someplace Safe | call 800-974-3359 or text 844-980-0169 or chat online at www.someplacesafe.info
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline | 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
  • Love is Respect: https://www.loveisrespect.org/