Contributed article
SAFFORD — February marks Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a nationwide effort to bring attention to the alarming prevalence of dating violence among adolescents.
In Graham County, the Mt. Graham Safe House is taking proactive steps to protect young people by partnering with local schools to teach the evidence‑based Safe Dates curriculum.
Teen dating violence affects millions of young people every year. It can include physical, emotional, verbal, or digital abuse, and often goes unreported because teens may not recognize the warning signs or know where to turn for help. Mt. Graham Safe House is working to change that.
“Education is one of the strongest tools we have for prevention,” Safe House officials said. “By reaching students early, we can help them understand what healthy relationships look like, how to recognize harmful behaviors, and how to support friends who may be experiencing abuse.”
The Safe Dates program, taught by Mt. Graham Safe House’s Outreach coordinator, guides students through topics such as:
- Understanding the difference between healthy, unhealthy, and abusive relationships,
- Recognizing the short‑ and long‑term effects of dating violence
- Building communication and conflict‑resolution skills
- Learning how to safely intervene or seek help for themselves or others
By bringing this curriculum directly into classrooms, Mt. Graham Safe House hopes to reduce the cycle of domestic violence in the community and empower teens with knowledge that can protect them throughout their lives.
The organization encourages parents, educators, and community members to take part in Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month by starting conversations at home, learning the signs of abuse, and supporting prevention programs in local schools.
For more information about the Safe Dates curriculum or the services provided by Mt. Graham Safe House, please contact the organization directly at 928-348-9104 or can access their website at www.mtgrahamsh.org.
