Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month 2026 Press Release
February ‘Real Love Respects’ Campaign Educates Young People on How Healthy Relationships Should Feel
During February’s Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, love is respect, a program of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, will host events and share resources on teen dating violence.
February 3, 2026 — The youth education and outreach program of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, love is respect, observes Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) each February by engaging young people on how to recognize and respond to dating abuse and violence.
This year’s theme, “Real Love Respects,” was chosen by love is respect’s national youth council to focus on one core truth: Respect is non-negotiable in a healthy relationship.
This year’s theme is especially relevant, with 1 in 10 high school students in the United States reporting having experienced some form of dating abuse during the past year, and 1 in 5 survivors reporting some form of digital abuse or harassment. At the same time, media and pop culture references often send mixed messages about love, vulnerability and dating, and more than half of college students say it is difficult to identify dating abuse or help someone who is a victim.
Real love should never make someone question their worth or safety. “Genuine respect goes beyond words; it is shown through actions, patience and understanding,” said one love is respect campus ambassador. Join us Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. ET/1 p.m. CT for a youth-centered webinar, “Main Character Energy: Respect Isn’t Clingy,” featuring the youth council members as they keep it real about dating, boundaries and red flags.
“Respect means creating space where both partners feel safe, heard and valued for who they are,” said Angela Lee, director of love is respect. “Respect is a two-way street. It is about mutual trust and encouragement while giving one another the freedom to show up as your most authentic selves. Through this year’s campaign, we want young people to recognize that mutual respect isn’t just important — it’s essential to building the healthy relationships they deserve.”
Throughout February, love is respect and its partners will hold virtual events and share resources to empower teens and young adults to learn more about dating violence and healthy relationships and take action in their local communities. Young people across the nation are encouraged to follow love is respect’s social media platforms for resources and updates on how to participate in Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and to download and use the 2026 Action Guide.
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The National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline operated by the National Domestic Violence Hotlineprovides help to teens and young people experiencing dating abuse. Young people anywhere in the country can call the Helpline toll free or visit loveisrespect.org, 24/7/365, to receive immediate, confidential assistance from trained advocates via call, chat or text. A program ofThe Hotline, love is respect, provides tools and resources to empower young people withbuilding healthy dating relationships and to find safer options when facing unhealthy or abusive situations. To reach an advocate for the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline, call 866-331-9474 or visit loveisrespect.org.