Teen Dating Violence in Boston, by Meg, BWF Intern

1 in 11 adolescents in the US fall victim to dating violence, yet it seems to remain a low priority issue by many schools across the country. A new study published by Ball State University has identified the critical need for school counselors to receive formal training on teen dating violence, as 81% of school counselors in the study reported that their schools do not have protocols in place to address this problem.

There is, however, some good news to report right here in Boston. For the third year straight, the Boston Public Health Commission together with local social service agencies host the ‘Break-Up Summit’ to help teach high school students how to identify healthy and unhealthy relationships. The Summit also emphasizes how to effectively communicate relationship boundaries as well as how to treat your significant other with respect, even when breaking up.

While these Boston events have been successful, there remains much more work to be done to combat teen dating violence.

We at the Boston Women’s Fund are proud to be currently funding several youth groups that provide safe environments to empower teenage girls to speak freely and openly. Two such organizations include Close to Home and My Life My Choice. We’re hopeful that in the wake of Ball State University’s new study more cities and schools will educate their staff, students and communities about the risks of teen dating violence and effective prevention techniques to help end it all together.