Area Nonprofit Marks Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

HARTFORD — Interval House is marking Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in February with a campaign aimed at encouraging adults to play a larger role in preventing abusive relationships among young people.

Founded in 1977, Interval House provides services to victims of domestic violence in Greater Hartford and surrounding communities.

The Hartford-based nonprofit, which serves 24 towns on both sides of the Connecticut River, is promoting the theme “It Takes a Village,” focusing on the influence of parents, teachers, coaches, and other trusted adults.

“We know for a fact that children learn abusive behaviors from the adults in their lives,” said Mary-Jane Foster, president and CEO of Interval House.

“But more importantly, we know that kids also learn how to engage in healthy friendships and dating relationships with positive reinforcement from parents, teachers, coaches, mentors, and other trusted adults.”

Foster said exposure to domestic violence at home increases the likelihood of future abuse.

Boys who witness their mothers being abused are 10 times more likely to abuse a female partner as adults, according to the agency.

Girls who witness such abuse are more than six times more likely to be victimized by male partners.

“Kids as young as 11 are dating, but more than half of parents cannot correctly identify all the warning signs of abuse,” Foster said.

“It is imperative that adults not only model healthy behaviors for the young people we know—we must be tuned in, having conversations with them about their friendships and dating relationships so they are comfortable confiding in us when they need help. Open and honest communication can save a young person before abuse becomes a pattern in their lives.”

As part of its prevention efforts, Interval House has expanded its “Breaking the Cycle” program, which provides education on healthy relationships, boundaries, and self-esteem to youth in schools, libraries, and through community partners, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford, Camp Courant, Our Piece of the Pie and the YWCA Hartford Region.

The organization also offers training for parents, educators, and youth mentors on how to discuss dating relationships and recognize warning signs of abuse.

Educational materials are available through the agency’s online resource library, and groups can request presentations through its community education program.

Several public events are scheduled in February.

To start things off, a teen dating violence awareness press conference will be held Thursday, Feb. 12, at 11:30 a.m. at CT State Community College–Capital on Main Street in Hartford.

Scheduled speakers include Foster and Corrianne Gagliardi Chipello, executive director and chief executive officer of Camp Courant.

On Friday, Feb. 13, at noon, the Simsbury Public Library will host “Toxic or True Love?,” a free workshop for students in grades 7 through 9 focused on healthy relationships, consent, and support.

Registration for "Toxic or True Love?" is required at this link.

A virtual “It Takes a Village” webinar for adults is planned for Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 6 p.m.

The session, led by Interval House community conveners, will address how adults can become trusted resources for youth and initiate conversations about relationships.

Registration for "It Takes a Village" is required at this link.

Interval House operates a 24-hour domestic violence crisis hotline at 860-838-8467.