Silence creates its own violence

-Audrey Lourde

Approximately 1 in 3 teens in the U.S. will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse by someone they are in a relationship with before they become adults.
Teen Dating Violence (TDV) has devastating consequences for young people, including increased risk of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and even suicidal thoughts.
Studies have shown that victims of TDV are more likely to experience other forms of violence, such as physical assault and sexual assault.
Youth end up being a marginalized community, and often forgotten when it comes to Violence Prevention funding and policy.
Continued advocacy and funding is crucial; we need to reprioritize social issues and research the long-term consequences on our youth.

Guns are not merely tools of destruction, but also instruments of oppression that perpetuate intergenerational violence.
There is a disproportionate impact of gun violence on marginalized communities, such as our youth, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and women.
Over 2/3rd of all intimate partner homicides in the U.S. are committed with a firearm. And did you know that the presence of a firearm in domestic violence situations increases the risk of homicide for women by 500%?
Firearms are the leading cause of death among children and adolescents in the United States.
We need to acknowledge the importance of dismantling patriarchy and toxic masculinity, and challenging harmful gender norms to create a more equitable and safer society.

Repetition is crucial in social justice movements. Despite feeling like a broken record, it's essential to persistently raise awareness and advocate for change.
How we frame can be effective. By framing TDV as a structural issue rather than an individual problem, we can advocate for systemic change.
We need to prioritize addressing TDV alongside other pressing issues like the economy and infrastructure. While these issues may seem more urgent, they are interconnected and require a holistic approach.
TDV is often overlooked and underfunded due to a lack of awareness and prioritization.
There is power in collective action. By working together, we can raise awareness, advocate for policy changes, and break the cycle of violence.