FREEDOM 180 COMMERATES FEBRUARY AS TEEN DATING VIOLNECE AWARENESS MONTH 

Feb. 16, 2017

FREEDOM 180 COMMERATES FEBRUARY AS TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

PANAMA CITY, Fla.— Freedom 180, the positive youth development program of the Florida Department of Health in Bay County will join with area teens to raise awareness of Teen Dating Violence. On Tuesday, February 21 Freedom 180 staff, AMI Kids students, and youth volunteers will “Chalk the Sidewalk” with teen dating violence statistics, slogans, and pictures. The event will be at 1:30pm at the Florida Department of Health located at 597 W. 11^th Street.

One in ten high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped, or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend (Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Report, 2013). One in four dating teens feels abused and harassed through digital technology, but only nine-percent seek any help (Urban.org, 2013). Teens who suffer dating abuse may have long-term consequences like alcoholism, eating disorders, promiscuity, thoughts of suicide, and violent behavior (CDC, 2014).

If you, a friend, or a loved one, is in an abusive relationship, call the National Dating Abuse Helpline for immediate and confidential support.  To contact the Helpline, call 1-866-331-9474, text “loveis” to 22522, or visit www.LoveIsRespect.org. For more information on this event or Freedom 180, contact Tammy Stewart at 850-872-4455, ext. 9637 or Tammy.Stewart@flhealth.gov.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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