February is the nationally recognized Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM).
At New Horizons Crisis Center, we work hard each February to raise awareness about this important and prevalent issue. We do our best to maintain an online presence, where we run a month-long social media campaign to bring recognition to teen dating violence. We join crisis centers nationwide in wearing the color orange (the official color of TDVAM) on February 6th’s “Wear Orange Day.” We hold workshops and provide educational presentations about healthy relationships, and we offer resources to those who have been affected by abuse. We are here to provide resources and information to help prevent unhealthy relationships and to empower young people through our services.
For TDVAM 2024, our organization is excited to announce a poster contest open to Sevier County teens, ages 12-18. The national theme for this year’s TDVAM is Love Like That, and we are asking local youth to create a poster on any type of material that focuses on conveying a healthy relationship—a “love like that.” Posters can be anywhere from 8X10 to 22X28 inches, and the deadline for entry is February 16.
Posters may be turned in to the New Horizons office, 145 East 100 North in Richfield. All posters will be judged on use of theme, originality, and creativity, and first, second, and third Place prizes will be awarded to the winners.
We encourage parents to urge participation in this contest and to use it as an opportunity to discuss healthy relationships with their teens. If any parent out there is struggling to know how to begin a conversation that can be difficult, even at the best of times, advocates at New Horizons are always available to help guide you through these challenges.
Another great place to find resources for talking to your kids about healthy relationships is the national resource Love Is Respect, an organization dedicated to the prevention of dating abuse. Their website, loveisrespect.org, is full of helpful information about how to build healthy relationships, and how to navigate the challenges that come with teen dating.
– New Horizons Crisis Center
Feature image courtesy of New Horizons/Facebook.
About New Horizons:
New Horizons Crisis Center is a nonprofit organization which serves survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and the homeless in Sevier, Sanpete, Piute, Millard, and Wayne counties. We offer many types of assistance and prevention programs, along with resources and referrals to other agencies. Our organization relies on donations and volunteers. If you are in need of services, or if you are interested in volunteering with or donating to our organization, please reach out to our office at (435) 896-9294, or visit us online at centralutahcrisisintervention.org. Our 24/7 crisis hotline is free and confidential. If you need someone to talk to, please contact us at 1-800-343-6302.