TEEN DATING VIOLENCE PREVENTION
Teen dating violence is defined as a pattern of controlling or abusive behaviors perpetrated by a current or former dating partner. Dating violence and sexual assault disproportionately affect teens and young adults, and abusers can be male or female. Hundreds of thousands of young people are experiencing dating abuse, sexual assault, and stalking every year.

One out of three teenagers reported being in an abusive or unhealthy relationship and dating violence has shown to have long-term consequences for teens in abusive relationships. Some feelings of jealousy can be normal and healthy in a relationship but irrational jealousy, constant put-downs, monitoring of social media and technology and physical abuse are all signs of an unhealthy relationship.

Everyone deserves a healthy relationship and healthy love. YWCA Pierce County is here to help teens and young adults understand these behaviors and create a plan to ensure their safety in a relationship.



Talk to YWCA's Youth Advocate

253.272.4181 ext. 269

youthadvocate@ywcapiercecounty.org

 
Teen Domestic Violence Prevention Resources

YWCA Services available for teen clients*

*Please note that all YWCA resources and programs are available for any clients, the following resources are highlighted as they are more generally geared towards resources needed by our teen clients.

Community Advocate Resource Center
Community advocate support is available in person Tuesday and Thursday 10am to 2pm and by phone Monday-Friday 9am to 3pm as advocates are available.
Advocates discuss options specific to each person’s situation through safety planning, resource information and referrals.
This is the only service that does not require an initial phone call or intake interview.

Legal Services
Our legal team of legal advocates and an attorney provide free legal assistance for various legal circumstances, including but not limited to; protection orders, civil legal counsel and criminal advocacy to survivors of domestic violence throughout greater Pierce County.

Children’s Program
YWCA Children’s Program directly addresses the multiple impacts that experiencing or witnessing domestic violence have on children and teens.
Services include respite care, individual or parent/child therapy, therapeutic and skill-building groups, and connection to other community resources.

Community Education
Understanding the root causes of domestic violence and the components of healthy relationships is the goal of our education program.
We provide information on Teen Dating Violence Prevention to local schools and community groups, as well as basic information on domestic violence and the power and control that fuels abusive relationships.