Wear Orange on Feb. 10: Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in Mecklenburg County

A white heart with the words February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month with an ornage background

One in three young people in the United States experiences abuse by a dating partner annually. In an average Mecklenburg County classroom, that’s more than 10 students.

The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners has proclaimed February 2026 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. The proclamation is in conjunction with the congressional declaration in 2010 of National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Mecklenburg County’s Community Support Services’ Prevention and Intervention Division encourages the community to help raise awareness of teen dating violence and share the value of respect in relationships. 

“Real Love Respects” is the 2026 theme of National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. According to Love Is Respect: This year’s theme cuts through the noise by focusing on what real love should look and feel like. In a world full of mixed messages, this theme centers around one truth: respect is non-negotiable. It empowers youth to recognize harmful patterns early and to expect more from love. Because respect is everything. It’s earned, it’s honest, and it never makes you question your worth. Remember, if it’s real, it’s respectful. 

  • Feb. 9-13 is Respect Week: An opportunity for schools or organizations to host an event. Check LoveIsRespect.org for an action guide, calendar of events and social media messages ready to share.  
     
  • Feb. 10 is Wear Orange Day: The color orange is used to create and spread awareness about teen dating violence. Wear orange, show support, and share the resources available to youth.

Community Support Services administers LoveSpeaksOut, a research-informed teen dating violence prevention program that aims to ensure a future where no one is a victim of intimate partner violence. The program provides dynamic and engaging presentations to teens in community settings and health classes and reaches thousands of youth each year. Visit the LoveSpeaksOut page to request a presentation. 

Community Support Services also hosts the Domestic Violence Speakers Bureau, a group of volunteers and domestic violence survivors who educate the community about domestic violence through dynamic presentations and storytelling. The Speakers Bureau is a community partnership between Prevention and Intervention Services and Safe Alliance.

Call for Help: Anyone in need of support for domestic violence or sexual assault can call the 24/7 Greater Charlotte Hope Line at 980-771-HOPE (4673).