W.r.c. On Teen Dating Violence Prevention As Critical To Reducing Domestic Abuse

The Women’s Resource Centre (WRC) is recognising Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month this February, underscoring the critical role that early education and emotional safety play in reducing future incidences of domestic abuse and intimate partner violence.

Teen dating violence encompasses more than physical harm. It often includes emotional manipulation, coercive control, pressure, and behaviours that undermine a young person’s sense of self, boundaries, and safety. These early relationship experiences can shape what young people come to normalise and tolerate in adulthood.

“At WRC, we believe in the old adage that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure,” said Juanae Crockwell, Executive Director of the Women’s Resource Centre. “If we are serious about reducing domestic abuse and intimate partner violence, we must address the foundations of how young people learn about relationships, boundaries, and self-worth.”

The Women’s Resource Centre views teen dating violence prevention as a long-term investment in the safety and wellbeing of women. Research consistently shows that exposure to unhealthy relationship dynamics in adolescence increases the likelihood of experiencing or remaining in abusive relationships later in life. By intervening early, communities can disrupt these patterns before they become entrenched.

“Reducing incidences of domestic abuse and intimate partner violence means interrupting cycles and supporting young people to identify healthy and unhealthy relationship patterns long before they enter adult relationships,” Crockwell added.

In observance of Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month, WRC is intentionally creating space for mothers and female caregivers — including step-mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and mentors — to deepen their understanding of teen dating violence and emotional safety. Supporting adults with the tools to recognise early warning signs and engage in trauma-informed conversations is a vital component of prevention.

As part of this focus, on Thursday, February 19 at 6:00pm via Zoom, WRC will host a virtual workshop entitled Love Shouldn’t Hurt: A Parent’s Guide to Creating EmotionalSafety for Teens.

This practical and supportive session is designed to help women:

The workshop will be facilitated by Leticia Francis, a trauma recovery mentor and survivor of teen dating violence and domestic abuse. The session centres prevention over panic and focuses on equipping women with tools that are practical, accessible, and grounded in emotional safety.

“Teen dating violence doesn’t start with bruises. It starts with confusion, silence, and blurred boundaries.” Ms. Francis explains. “When we give young people and caregivers the language for emotional safety early, we interrupt harm before it becomes a lifelong pattern.”

By centring prevention, education, and community responsibility, the Women’s Resource Centre continues its commitment to reducing domestic abuse through early, meaningful intervention.

This workshop is offered at no cost to the community. More information and registration details are available at:

https://www.wrcbermuda.com/events/loveshouldnthurt