Pay Attention, Your Safety Matters.
The Janelle Grum Family Crisis Center of East Texas is proud to recognize Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month this February with a powerful prevention campaign themed, “Red Flags Aren’t Romantic”. The campaign is designed to empower teens with the knowledge and confidence to recognize unhealthy relationship behaviors early and understand that respect, trust, and safety are the foundations of real love.
Teen dating violence affects millions of young people each year, often beginning with subtle warning signs that can be mistaken for affection or concern. Through this awareness month, the agency aims to change that narrative and help students identify red flags before they escalate into abuse.
“Too often, controlling or harmful behaviors are romanticized, especially in young relationships,” said Whitney Burran, Executive Director. “Our message is clear: red flags are not romantic. Pay attention to your instincts, your boundaries, and your worth. Every young person deserves a relationship rooted in respect and safety.”
Throughout the month, Prevention Coordinator Stuart Burson will lead numerous presentations on healthy relationships at schools across East Texas. These presentations will reach a multitude of students, providing age-appropriate education on topics such as communication, consent, boundaries, digital safety, and recognizing the warning signs of dating abuse.
“Prevention starts with education, and education starts early,” Burran added. “By meeting students where they are, in their classrooms and communities, we can plant seeds of awareness that can protect them not only now, but throughout their lives.”
The school-based presentations are a vital part of the agency’s ongoing prevention efforts, aiming to reduce future instances of dating violence, domestic violence, and sexual assault by equipping youth with tools to build healthy relationships. Each presentation encourages open discussion, self-empowerment, and the understanding that asking for help is a sign of strength.
“Our prevention team is making an incredible impact,” Burran said. “Stuart’s work in local schools reaches hundreds of students each year. These conversations have the power to change lives and break cycles of violence before they begin.”
The agency encourages parents, educators, and community members to join in spreading the message that safety matters and that love should never hurt. Together, the community can help teens recognize their value and choose relationships that uplift rather than harm.
For more information about Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, prevention programs, or available services, please contact the Janelle Grum Family Crisis Center of East Texas or visit familycrisiscenterofeasttexas.com