Shining a Light on Teen Dating Violence: Awareness, Education & Support
By Forbes House Executive Director Kathy Strancar
February 23, 2026
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating young people and our community about healthy relationships, warning signs of abuse, and the importance of speaking up.
Teen dating violence is more common than many realize. As the Executive Director of Forbes House, Lake County’s only domestic violence shelter, we know firsthand that dating violence can include physical harm, emotional manipulation, digital harassment, isolation from friends and family, and controlling behaviors.
According to national data, 1 in 3 teens in the U.S. will experience some form of dating abuse before becoming adults. The impact can be immediate and long-lasting — affecting mental health, academic performance, and future relationships.
Thankfully, our funding partner, United Way of Lake County, believes prevention begins with education, open conversations, and accessible support, allowing us to provide emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis support, advocacy, counseling, and prevention education — including programs specifically designed for teens. Our outreach efforts in local schools help young people recognize red flags, understand consent and boundaries, and build the skills needed for respectful, healthy relationships.
When you support United Way of Lake County, you are strengthening critical services like those we offer at Forbes House. Together, we are ensuring that teens and families in our community have somewhere to turn — whether they need education, intervention, or a safe place to heal.
This month, we encourage parents, caregivers, educators, and community members to start conversations with the young people in their lives. Awareness saves lives. Education builds confidence. And support changes futures.