Real Love Respects: Breaking the Cycle of Dating Violence
At Robyne’s Nest, we often talk about "Breaking Cycles." Usually, we mean the cycle of homelessness or food insecurity. But this February, during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, we are focusing on a cycle that often stays hidden in the shadows: dating abuse.
The statistics are a sobering reminder of why our work is so critical. 1 in 3 teens in the U.S. will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from a dating partner before they become adults. For the youth we serve in Huntington Beach and our surrounding cities—teens who may already lack a stable parental support system—the risk is even higher. Without a healthy model of what love looks like at home, it can be incredibly difficult to spot the "red flags" of control, jealousy, or manipulation.
This year’s theme is "Real Love Respects." At Robyne’s Nest, we don't just provide a bed or a bag of groceries. Through our mental health therapy and Life Skills classes, we teach our students that respect is non-negotiable. We help them understand that:
Respect is earned and honest.
Respect never makes you question your worth.
Respect allows for boundaries and independence.
By providing over 1,000 hours of free mental health therapy each year, we empower our students to heal from past trauma and build the self-worth necessary to demand respect in their future relationships.
How can you help? Talk to the young people in your life. Use resources from LoveIsRespect.org to start the conversation. Let’s work together to ensure every student in our community knows that love should never hurt.
