The following article is part one of a four-week series focusing on raising awareness about dating violence. February is Dating Violence Awareness Month and Hays-Caldwell’s Women Center hopes to educate the community on this important issue. One in three young people will experience dating violence in their lifetime. Locally, the HCWC has been serving victims of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault and child abuse since 1978. Last year, HCWC served 2,277 victims of abuse (face-to-face) primarily from Hays and Caldwell counties.
SAN MARCOS — February is Dating Violence Awareness Month, a national effort to raise awareness about the impacts of abuse and encourage communities to support teens and young adults in seeking healthy relationships.
Through prevention work in schools and in the community, HCWC has witnessed firsthand how important education and advocacy are in giving teens a better understanding of healthy, unhealthy and abusive dynamics in relationships and providing them with resources to seek support, if needed. When we speak up and advocate for those experiencing abuse, HCWC becomes a beacon of hope in communities.
Here are some easy ways to get involved with Dating Violence Awareness Month:
• Familiarize oneself with local dating violence resources at www.hcwc.org
• Wear orange Tuesday, Feb. 10, to raise awareness about dating violence and promote healthy relationships.
• Use Take Action! Toolkit activities to actively engage your community in supporting survivors, available at www.stopthehurt.org.
• Learn about healthy relationships. Start by visiting www.stopthehurt.org.
• Model healthy relationships in all interactions.
Together, we can create communities that don’t tolerate violence and abuse.
HCWC is committed to providing free, safe and confidential services to victims of dating violence. If experiencing dating violence, call our HELPLine 24/7 at 512-396-4357. For additional information, visit www.stopthehurt.org. HCWC’s Prevention Educators are available to give presentations and education about dating violence.
