Thursday, January 15, 2026

Teen Dating Violence Affects 1 in 10 Young People; L.A. County Launches Prevention Push After Azusa Tragedy

Roughly one in 12 adolescents nationwide experience physical dating violence, and one in 10 experience sexual dating violence, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—statistics that Los Angeles County supervisors cited Tuesday in proclaiming February 2026 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

The proclamation, approved by the Board of Supervisors, follows a December 2024 tragedy in Azusa in which a teenager was killed by her ex-boyfriend just days before Christmas. That case prompted Board Chair Hilda L. Solis to direct the County to explore opportunities to expand support for victims of domestic and intimate partner violence.

“Every young person deserves to feel safe in their relationships and to know there is help when challenges arise,” said Solis, Chair and First District Supervisor, who co-authored the motion with Third District Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “This proclamation reaffirms our dedication to providing youth with the resources, education, and support they need to recognize and prevent abuse.”

“Teen dating violence is far more common than most people realize, and it can have devastating and even deadly consequences,” said Horvath. “Too many young people experience abuse before they have the words to name it or the support to escape it. If you know a young person who might be at risk, the Check for Respect toolkit can help them recognize the warning signs and find support.”

The Check for Respect: Teen Dating Violence Prevention Toolkit, developed by the County for youth ages 12–24, provides guidance on recognizing signs of abuse, accessing resources, and fostering healthy relationships. Youth from across Los Angeles County participated in reviewing the toolkit, ensuring it reflects their perspectives and addresses their needs.

The motion calls on all County departments, in partnership with the Department of Public Health, to actively promote the toolkit, amplifying safe messaging and available resources throughout the community.