On January 31st 2011, President Barack Obama proclaimed February 2011 as National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. In his proclamation Obama stated,

"Each year, about one in four teens report being the victim of verbal, physical, emotional, or sexual violence.  Abusive relationships can impact adolescent development, and teens who experience dating violence may suffer long-term negative behavioral and health consequences.  Adolescents in controlling or violent relationships may carry these dangerous and unhealthy patterns into future relationships.  The time to break the cycle of teen dating violence is now, before another generation falls victim to this tragedy."

Read the entire proclamation here.

As part of raising awareness, here are some important resources I found on the topic of date rape and teen dating violence.  Whether you or someone you know  has experienced dating violence or you just want to know more, check out and share this information. Be sure to also check out the fabulous Lindsy Serrano's book list on Teen Dating Violence.

Websites:

Love is Respect: Provides resources for teens, parents, friends and family, Peer Advocates, government officials, law enforcement officials and the general public.

Break the Cycle: Engages, educates and empowers young people to build lives and communities free from domestic and dating violence.

YesMeansYes: a group of youth and adults who work together to prevent sexualized violence and promote respect as the organizing principle of all relationships.

New York State Office of Prevention of Domestic Violence: Improves New York State’s response to and prevention of domestic violence with the goal of enhancing the safety of all New Yorkers in their intimate and family relationships. Check out their facebook.

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month: The offical website, find events, news, & more!

My Boyfriend Rocks: What qualities make your boyfriend rock? He's honest, faithful, trustworthy, supportive... just to name a few.

The Safe Space: A resource for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or questioning teens to ask questions and get help for issues relating to dating violence.

Day One: A New York City based organization that educates, organizes and advocates on behalf of young people at risk of or experiencing intimate partner violence. Includes legal help and volunteer opporunities.

The Anti-Violence Project: A New York City based organization that advocates for LGBTQ victims of violence.

V-Day: A global movement. A great source of information and action, check out SAFER and the Campus Accountability Project.

GirlThrive: A website for teen girls recovering from rape and sexual assault.

RAINN: RAINN is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. Get help by chatting online, anonymously, anytime 24/7 using the Online Hotline.

Informative Books:

Dating Violence: True Stories of Hurt and Hope by John Hicks

Unmasking Sexual Con Games: A Teen's Guide to Avoiding Emotional Grooming and Dating Violence by Kathleen M McGee and Laura J. Buddenburg

In Love and In Danger: A Teen's Guide to Breaking Free of Abusive Relationships by Barrie Levy 

Date Rape: A Hot Issue by Kathleen Winkler

Everything You Need to Know About Dealing with Sexual Assault by Laura Kaminker

Everything You Need to Know About Abusive Relationships by Nancy N. Rue

The Date Rape Prevention Book: The Essential Guide for Girls and Women by Scott Linquist

Coping with Date Rape and Acquaintance Rape by Andrea Parrot

I Never Called It Rape by Robin Warshaw

Recovering from Rape by Linda L. Ledray