FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 18, 2026
Phoenix, Arizona
Brain Injury Association of Arizona Raises Awareness During Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM), and the Brain Injury Association of Arizona (BIAAZ) is joining national efforts to shine a light on a serious—but preventable—public health issue impacting millions of young people across the United States.
Teen dating violence, also called dating violence, is defined as physical, psychological, sexual abuse, harassment, or stalking within a current or former romantic relationship among youth ages 12–18. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), teen dating violence is considered an adverse childhood experience and can profoundly impact lifelong health, opportunity, and well-being.
Dating violence can happen in person, online, or through technology. It may include:
- Physical violence such as hitting, kicking, shoving, or other use of force
- Sexual violence, including forcing or attempting to force sexual acts without consent or sharing sexual images without permission
- Psychological aggression, including verbal abuse, shaming, intimidation, and controlling behavior
- Stalking, or repeated unwanted attention that causes fear or safety concerns
The Scope of the Problem
Data from the CDC’s 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey shows that among U.S. high school students who reported dating in the previous year:
- About 1 in 12 experienced physical dating violence
- About 1 in 10 experienced sexual dating violence
Female students and students identifying as LGBTQ+ experience higher rates of both physical and sexual dating violence compared to their peers.
According to Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month organizers, nearly one in three teens in romantic relationships reports experiencing unhealthy or violent dynamics. With relationships beginning earlier—sometimes as young as 12 or 13—many teens lack the emotional maturity and communication skills needed to navigate conflict in healthy ways.
The Connection to Brain Injury
Physical dating violence can result in concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), particularly when violence involves blows to the head, strangulation, or repeated assaults. Brain injuries often go undiagnosed in teens and can contribute to long-term cognitive, emotional, and behavioral challenges.
Youth who experience teen dating violence are also more likely to:
- Experience depression and anxiety
- Engage in substance use
- Exhibit aggressive or antisocial behaviors
- Consider or attempt suicide
Violence in adolescent relationships can set the stage for intimate partner violence later in life, making prevention and early intervention critical.
Prevention Starts with Conversation
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month emphasizes that healthy relationships require communication, trust, honesty, and respect—skills that must be taught and modeled.
The CDC notes that prevention strategies should begin early and focus on helping youth develop emotional regulation, healthy communication, and relationship skills. Programs such as Dating Matters® provide age-appropriate education to help youth build safe, respectful relationships while equipping parents and educators with tools to support them.
Teens are heavily influenced by peer pressure, social media, and what they see at home or in entertainment. When unhealthy behaviors are normalized—such as constant monitoring, jealousy framed as love, or public humiliation—young people may struggle to recognize warning signs.
Parents, caregivers, educators, and community leaders are encouraged to:
- Foster open, judgment-free communication
- Teach teens about consent and boundaries
- Model respectful conflict resolution
- Encourage teens to seek help from trusted adults
Many teens do not report abusive behavior because they are embarrassed, afraid of punishment, or concerned about peer perception. Removing fear and stigma is essential to prevention.
Learn More
To learn more about Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, warning signs, prevention strategies, and how to get involved, visit: https://www.teendvmonth.org/
Support for Survivors in Arizona
The Brain Injury Association of Arizona recognizes the deep and lasting impact relationship violence can have—especially when brain injury is involved. BIAAZ provides resources and support for domestic violence survivors, including those living with traumatic brain injury.
If you or someone you know needs support, visit https://biaaz.org or call the BIAAZ helpline at (888) 500-9165 for confidential assistance and resource connections.
Healthy relationships begin with awareness. Together, we can empower Arizona’s youth to build relationships rooted in respect, safety, and dignity.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing Teen Dating Violence.
https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/intimatepartnerviolence/teendatingviolence/
Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report (2021).
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/index.htm
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. What is Teen Dating Violence?
https://www.teendvmonth.org/what-is-teen-dating-violence/
CDC. Dating Matters®: Strategies to Promote Healthy Teen Relationships.
https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/intimatepartnerviolence/datingmatters/
About the
Brain Injury Association of Arizona
The Brain Injury Association of Arizona is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support, education, advocacy, and resources for individuals and families affected by brain injury throughout Arizona.
Our mission is to improve the quality of life for survivors and help prevent brain injury through awareness and education.