Ocean Partnership for Children Raises Awareness about Teen Dating Violence

TOMS RIVER, N.J. - Feb. 14, 2023 - PRLog -- In 2010 Congress declared February Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) to promote awareness of the issue and the impact it has on teens and their families. Recently, President Biden made a Proclamation on TDVAM, 2023. He stated, "During National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, we bring this scourge out of the shadows, recommit to promoting healthy relationships, and join together with a clear message to survivors:  You are not alone.  Support is close by, and justice is within reach." In continued support of this campaign, Ocean Partnership for Children (OPC) is collaborating with partner agencies and organizations to raise awareness in Ocean County.

Maureen DeSantis, LCSW, one of OPC's Assistant Directors of Clinical Operations, spoke on the impact Teen Dating Violence can have on teens and possible warning signs. "Teens in violent relationships may hesitate to reach out for help, struggle in school, or isolate from friends," DeSantis said. "We're committed to helping with linkage to services, collaboration between all members of the Child Family Team and support."

On February 10^th, the Ocean County Children's Inter-Agency Coordinating Council provided a training for providers, schools and the community of Ocean County. Members of the OPC team participated in this training session.

National statistics show that one in three teens in the US who experience some form of abuse, including physical, sexual, or emotional, from someone they are in a relationship with. Since OPC currently serves 548 youths between the ages of 13 and 19 years, the national statistics would indicate that OPC's care management team is working with 180 youths and their families who have been touched by this issue.

If you or someone you know is impacted by Dating Violence, please reach out for help: NJ Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-572-SAFE), 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Call or Text 988) or 2^nd Floor Youth Helpline (1-888-222-2228).

About Ocean Partnership for Children Inc.
Founded in 2005, OPC is Ocean County's Care Management Organization (CMO). Its mission is to enhance the well-being of youth and their families through natural and community supports. OPC provides care coordination services for Ocean County youth up the age of 21 years who have mental health, substance use, intellectual and developmental challenges. OPC strives to keep children and adolescents at home, in school, and in the community by connecting them to resources that meet their unique needs and help them achieve their goals.

OPC is a non-profit organization available at no cost to all youth and families in Ocean County who meet the eligibility criteria of the New Jersey Children's System of care. To learn more, visit https://www.oceanpartnership.org.