Each February, young adults and their loved ones across the nation raise awareness about the issue of teen dating violence through Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM). This annual, month-long effort focuses on advocacy and education to stop dating abuse before it starts.

Last February, with the opening of PorchLight, a Family Justice Center, Family Tree was able to move our Domestic Violence Outreach and Legal Advocacy Programs to become a part of the wrap-around services available to survivors at the center. Family Tree Legal Advocacy program wanted to share some exciting updates that have taken place since this move. 

At Family Tree, our staff, interns, and volunteers are working diligently to support survivors of domestic violence using a trauma-informed, client-centered approach to meet survivors where they are in their journey. In honor of October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we asked team members from each of our domestic violence programs to share their perspectives and experience working in this field.

Providing support to a loved one who may be experiencing abuse in their relationship can be extremely challenging. You may feel unsure of how to approach the subject, what the outcome will be, or how your concern will be perceived.

1 in 3 girls in the US is a victim of physical, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner. Additionally, 1 in 10 high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped or physically hurt by a partner. With statistics like these, it’s possible we all know a teen that has either experienced teen dating violence or is currently experiencing it.

One newly available service that is especially impactful is that temporary protection orders can be applied for and then heard by a judge via video conferencing right from PorchLight. Survivors will be able to speak with the judge in a quiet, comfortable, private room without having to feel overwhelmed or intimidated by being in a courtroom. 

Each survivor encountered through our programs at Family Tree has a unique story and situation. A familiar one for those working with these clients, and one not always considered, is the prevalence of domestic violence within immigrant groups and against undocumented individuals.

Although Family Tree has several programs that work with survivors of domestic violence, one of the programs focuses on preventing violence in addition to providing services to those affected.

This October, in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), Family Tree invites readers to take part by learning more through personal stories, educational topics, and explore the services we provide to survivors and their children.