Laurel House Hosts Poster Contest in Honor of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

    Laurel House proudly announces the unveiling of this year’s Teen Dating Violence Poster Contest winners. This event will take place on Monday, February 4, 2013 from 6pm to 8 pm, in Freedom Hall at the Upper Merion Township Building, 175 W. Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia PA 19406.   

    This is the fourth year for this annual contest, which the theme is “Dating Violence Prevention and The National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline”. February is nationally recognized as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. The contest was open to Montgomery County area high school students.The posters are designed to encourage teens that are in abusive, or potentially abusive relationships to call the National Dating Abuse Helpline at 1-866-331-9474.  

    Tommie Wilkins, Director of Community Education states that “having done this contest for several years now, I continue to be impressed by the sheer talent and creativity of these students. I can honestly say that each poster depicts the artist’s true understanding of the dynamics of dating violence”.   

    Prizes will be awarded in two categories: painting/drawing and graphic design.  Each category will have three winners; first, second and third place.  The winners in both categories will be awarded prizes.   

    According to teendvmonth.org, "For years, young people across the nation have organized to put a stop to dating abuse. With their adult allies, they achieved a major victory in 2005 when the importance of addressing teen dating abuse was highlighted in the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.The following year, Congress followed the lead of dozens of national, state and local organizations in sounding the call to end dating abuse. Both Chambers declared the first full week in February "National Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness Week." Then in 2010, Congress began dedicating the entire month of February to teen dating violence awareness and prevention."   

    There is definitely a need to educate the public especially teenagers and young adults about how to stay safe in relationships and what to do when they need help. According to teendvmonth.org:


• Nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a single year.
• One in three girls in the US is a victim of physical, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner, a figure that far exceeds rates of other types of youth violence.
• One in ten high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend.
• One quarter of high school girls have been victims of physical or sexual abuse or date rape.    

     The sad part is many young people as well as adults are unaware of these frightening figures and the serious consequences ignoring teen dating violence can lead to. Many teenagers and young adults don't speak up about their abuse and many adults don't know the warning signs to look for. That's why being aware and understanding what to look for is important in helping put an end to this form of violence.    

     If you or anyone you know is affected by teen dating violence please contact National Data Abuse Helpline at 1-866-331-9474 or log on to www.loveisrespect.org or www.teendvmonth.org for more information as well as links to other resources on ways you can help.