February is nationally recognized as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) and FOCUS Ministries is working non-stop to bring awareness and even an END to teen dating violence.
Young people today are at a higher risk than ever to the dangers of abuse as they try to navigate relationships in an ever perilous dating environment. With social media tempting teens to try out new activities and challenging them to find the “perfect” mate early on, we are hearing more and more stories of abuse between teens and even the “tweens”.
FOCUS Ministries is proud to announce the Teen FOCUS Curriculum for youth groups, homeschool groups and others who have heard the call to teach teens about healthy relationships. This program asks the teens four basic questions:
What do they believe about themselves?
Who do their friends say they are?
Who does GOD say they are?
Who is driving their lives?
For young people today, knowing the TRUTH of who they are in Christ is more important than ever. They are not just a pretty face, a sweet smile or a doormat. Each of them is a VALUABLE individual made in the image of God who has wonderful and marvelous plans for their lives. The Lord wants them to recognize those early “red flags” in their relationships. He is engaged in teaching them day by day that He can be trusted to guide, lead and direct their steps.
We’ve also been blessed to design a communication tool to encourage teens to talk with each other, with their parents and other trusted people about the situations they are experiencing in their day to day lives. “Time To Talk” provides the basics in boundaries and explains in depth the tragic consequences of keeping secrets. We are very proud of the feedback we have received already from this colorful booklet, illustrated by a teen who experienced abuse herself.
As this month unfolds, you will hear more about Teen Dating Violence Awareness. More than ever young people need to know there is a Savior who loves them and cares about them. God bless you for caring about the teens in your circle of influence.