Tifton group advocates for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

(TIFTON, GA)- February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

While it may not seem like it to most, Ruth’s Cottage & Patticake House Executive Director, Nancy Bryan says they’re taking the time to talk about abusive teen relationships this month.

She says, “We’re especially concerned about it. Because most of the homicides where it’s murder-suicides or homicides of victims of domestic violence, those relationships started when they were dating as teens.”

Throughout February, Ruth’s Vottage will be working with Tift County organizations, like the school system to reach the younger crowd about the signs of abuse in a young relationship

“It starts in subtle ways of controlling behaviors that abusers will start using with people they’re dating, or in a relationship with. And then emotional and psychological tricks that they may play,” says Bryan.

In addition to getting the word out at schools, Ruth’s Cottage wants parents to know they can help in talking to their children about abusive relationships.

Bryan says, “We’re also looking for avenues to talk to parents. We have presentations that our legal advocates can do to talk to parents about what they should look for in the signs of teen dating violence within their own homes.” 

To reach out to Ruth’s Cottage and Patticake House, you can contact them through their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Ruths-Cottage-The-Patticake-House-292965184145520/?fref=ts  or call their office number at (229)-388-1541