February has been established as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. It is important to consider the effects that violence can have on those who are just learning how to build healthy romantic-partner interactions. According to the 2012 Teen Dating Violence website, “One in three teens in the US is a victim of physical, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner” and “one quarter of high school girls have been victims of physical or sexual abuse.” With this high prevalence of teen dating violence, it is important to consider the problem facing young adults as they navigate romantic relationships.

In 2009, ALSO was troubled by the prevalence of intimate-partner violence in Humboldt Park, along with the lack of community help available to counteract it. In response, ALSO decided to take action. It engaged a core group of young men and women from the ages 17-20, to explore the problem through a small pilot project that included the use of surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one interviews. Both the teenagers and ALSO learned a great deal through the project. Some of the important lessons ALSO uncovered were: 

· Credibility is paramount (Youth Led Process). In order to effectively meet the safety needs of teens, work to prevent intimate partner violence must be structured in their voices, defined in their terms, and led by them. A core group of teen leaders trained in the dynamics of domestic violence can more effectively reach other youth than many adults. However, trusted adult allies must be present to provide structure, support, education and accountability.

· Diversity is key. The core group of teen leaders must contain both males and females and must represent the targeted population in the community. The group must also include popular opinion leaders in the school or community (which may not be the traditional leaders as seen by adults) and should include, when possible, those who have witnessed or experienced intimate partner violence.

· To be it, you have to see it. Adult allies must model power sharing and healthy relationships to provide teens with a positive frame. Understanding violence and spotting red flags is not enough. Teens routinely requested more information on how to engage in healthy relationships.

· Location, location, location. Teens reported that having resources located in their neighborhood makes a huge difference in their decision and ability to access services.