1 in 3 Teens Experience Dating Violence. How is Expect Respect Changing That?

Written by Valeria Perez

One in three teens will experience some form of violence in their relationships.

As parents, educators, youth workers, and community members, we might wonder if this is happening to any of the young people in our lives. But unfortunately, the real question is: “Do we know which teens it’s happening to, and how to intervene—or better yet, prevent violence?”

SAFE’s Expect Respect program addresses just that:

What Expect Respect Offers

Expect Respect has over 35 years of experience supporting schools and communities in preventing violence and promoting healthy teen relationships.

The program offers a flexible, evidence-based curriculum grounded in research and real-world practice. It’s not one-size-fits-all—it can be adapted to address each community’s unique needs.

Through school-based support groups, students develop emotional regulation and communication skills. They explore the qualities of healthy and unhealthy relationships while building trust, connection, and a sense of belonging.

Through youth leadership programs, teens become peer educators and allies. They use creative media and student-led campaigns to address dating violence, bullying, and harassment—all while promoting positive, respectful relationships.

Through arts-based programs, teens artist-activists write and perform original theater that promotes healthy relationships

Expect Respect understands the real-world constraints schools face: academic schedules, organizational policy, and sensitive topics. The program works closely with each site to align with local values, comply with policy, and ensure that programming is both effective and accessible.

The Opportunity Before Us

We know all too well how young people exposed to violence in relationships face greater risk for negative academic, mental health, and social/emotional outcomes.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

We can choose to act. We can create spaces where teens feel safer, seen, and supported.

We can choose to raise up student voices and help them lead.

We can choose to end the cycle.

The choice is ours.

Let’s expect more from ourselves.

Let’s expect more for our youth.

Let’s Expect Respect.