#The OneThing Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

February is a time to celebrate love as we recognize Valentine's Day. However, not every relationship is healthy or filled with love, which is why Empowerhouse joins in a nationwide prevention and education effort during February to help young people as part of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM).

1 in 3 teens in the United States will experience physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse by someone they are in a relationship with before they become adults. In addition, nearly half (43%) of college women report experiencing violent and abusive dating behaviors.

During Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) and throughout the year, Empowerhouse works with schools and other organizations to educate teens about healthy and unhealthy relationships, recognize warning signs of abuse, and help build self-esteem. These are vital tools in assisting young people and those who support them. These include sharing our "Be Real" materials, which are targeted to teens, asking them to join us in promoting healthy relationships and connecting them to resources like our website and our 24hour confidential, hotline number.

For TDVAM 2023, the theme is #1Thing. The theme was chosen by "love is respect" a national resource to disrupt and prevent unhealthy relationships and intimate partner violence by empowering young people through inclusive and equitable education, support, and resources.

According to "love is respect," the #1Thing campaign encourages teens and

By nancy kelly

those who support teens to join in "learning one thing about teen dating violence and sharing that with a friend, every person can make a difference." For example, some teens confuse jealousy with love and consider abusive demands to be "normal". Read Empowerhouse Be Real: Start the Conversation With Your Teens About Healthy Relationships Parent & Teen Advocate Discussion Guide for more information.

Empowerhouse will be part of this important effort to promote and build healthy relationships by starting critical conversations about teen dating violence. We know that by raising awareness during the month of February, we can help stop teen dating abuse and provide essential resources to support teens and their families. If you're an adult, please continue to engage with the young people around you to discuss healthy relationships and dating abuse.

For more information (including the guide referenced above) about teen dating violence or our youth services, please go to Empowerhouseva.org, teen resources page, or call Sandra, 540-3739372 during business hours. Empowerhouse has resources available in English and Spanish. To request an educational classroom presentation on healthy relationships and teen dating violence warning signs for your school or organization, e-mail mendyp@empowerhouseva.org.

If you, or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call Empowerhouse's free, confidential 24hour Hotline at (540) 373-9373.

Moment Diner Opens in Eagle Village

Moment Diner has opened in Eagle Village. At 1201 Emancipation Highway, in the building that what was once Country Cookin', Moment Diner is now open from 7am-3pm daily.

Moment Diner's menu includes Undeniable Classics such as 2 Eggs & Meat and Biscuits & Gravy, as well as Greatness from the Griddle such as Golden Brown Pancakes and French Toast. They also serve all-day lunch and dinner, and have "Main Events" that are unique to Moment Diner, such as an 8oz Rib-Eye Steak and Smothered Chicken.

Moment Diner also has catering options, such as boxed lunches and sandwiches. As they begin their journey in Eagle Village, Moment Diner is committed to providing high quality food and hospitality to the City of Fredericksburg. Follow Moment Diner on Facebook.