Wear Orange on Feb. 11: 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. In an average Mecklenburg County classroom, that’s more than 10 students. Fifteen years ago, Congress declared February National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Mecklenburg County’s Community Support Services’ (CSS) Prevention and Intervention Division encourages our community to help raise awareness of teen dating violence and share the value of respect in relationships.

“Respect That” is the 2025 theme of National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. It is intended to convey a concept that can transform relationships. Respecting someone isn’t just a vague idea; it’s action and a mindset. The theme “Respect That” highlights the importance of treating partners with dignity, listening to their viewpoints, respecting their boundaries, and valuing their autonomy by focusing on “respect.”

  • Feb. 10–14: Respect Week: An opportunity to host an event at your school or organization. Check the Respect Week page for an action guide, calendar of events and social media messages ready to share. 
     
  • Feb. 11: Wear Orange Day: The color “orange” is used to create and spread awareness about teen dating violence. Wear your orange, show your support, and share the resources available to youth. 
     
  • Feb. 13: Respect Your Health: Pick an aspect of your health to focus on. 
     
  • Feb. 18: Proclamation: The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to adopt a proclamation proclaiming February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. 
     
  • Feb. 20, 2 p.m.: Webinar: “Breaking the Silence: Empowering Youth to Speak Up and Support Each Other” Register online.   

Blog.MeckNC.gov: Read and share “How to Talk to Your Teen About Dating and Abuse”

Mecklenburg County’s Prevention and Intervention Division encourages the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community to help raise awareness of teen dating violence and share the value of respect in relationships. CSS 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).