Tech Abuse, Teen Dating Violence, North Carolina 2024

Raleigh, N.C. – In a disturbing trend, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Eastern District of North Carolina is sounding the alarm on teen dating violence and technology abuse. February marks National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, a time to shed light on this growing issue and provide resources for victims and their communities.

The pandemic has made everything more challenging – for children and youth, advocates across the country have reported an uptick in online abuse as younger folks spend more time online. According to OVW Principal Deputy Director Allison Randall, ‘The Teens and Tech Resource Series can help adults meaningfully engage with young people, empowering them to recognize abuse and unhealthy relationships, prevent future violence, and use technology safely.’

The Teens and Tech Resource Series, funded by the Office on Violence Against Women, was developed by the National Network to End Domestic Violence’s Safety Net Project in partnership with eleven24, a teen violence prevention program dedicated to reducing the prevalence of relationship abuse and sexual violence through media literacy and identity affirmation.

The Office on Violence Against Women provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies, and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, intimate partner violence, sexual violence, or stalking, there are many services available to help, including the Teen Dating Abuse Hotline, 1-866-331-9474, text ‘LOVEIS’ to 22522, or visit loveisrespect.org, state, territory, and tribal sexual assault and domestic violence coalitions, and the StrongHearts Native Helpline, which offers online chat on their website and a hotline at 1-844-7NATIVE (or 1-844-762-8483) and provides culturally-appropriate services and advocacy to American Indian and Alaska Native survivors of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence.

As the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Eastern District of North Carolina continues to raise awareness about teen dating violence and technology abuse, it’s clear that this is a growing issue that requires a collective effort to address. By providing resources and support to victims and their communities, we can work towards a safer and more just society for all.

Learn more about the Office on Violence Against Women and their initiatives at www.justice.gov/ovw. If you’re a victim of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, sexual violence, or stalking, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are people who care and want to support you through this difficult time.

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