Hays County Commissioners Court Recognizes February 2026 as Dating Violence Awareness Month, Urges Community Focus on Teen Safety
When the Hays County Commissioners Court recognized February 2026 as Dating Violence Awareness Month, the message was clear: this is not someone else’s issue. It is a community issue.
Dating violence affects youth in every ZIP code, across economic, racial, gender, and societal lines. For families in Hays County — whether in Kyle, Buda, San Marcos, Dripping Springs, Wimberley, or surrounding rural areas — the proclamation serves as a reminder that healthy, respectful relationships are directly connected to student safety, mental health, and academic success.
For parents, educators, and community leaders, the recognition isn’t just symbolic. It is a call to awareness, prevention, and education.
Why Dating Violence Awareness Month Matters in Hays County
Teen dating violence remains a serious public health issue nationwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 12 U.S. high school students report experiencing physical dating violence, and about 1 in 12 report experiencing sexual dating violence within the past year. The CDC also notes that teens who experience dating violence are at greater risk for depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and poor academic performance.
These national statistics reflect realities that can touch any school campus — including those within Hays CISD, Dripping Springs ISD, San Marcos CISD, and Wimberley ISD.
The Commissioners Court’s recognition reinforces that prevention begins with education. Respectful, supportive, and non-violent relationships are foundational to youth safety and long-term wellbeing. When teens are equipped with relationship skills — including communication, boundaries, and conflict resolution — they are better positioned to thrive academically and socially.
Education as Prevention: A Community Responsibility
Research from the National Domestic Violence Hotline highlights that early education about healthy relationships significantly reduces the risk of future abuse. The organization emphasizes that teaching young people to recognize warning signs — such as controlling behavior, isolation, verbal abuse, or digital harassment — can prevent escalation.
For Hays County families, this means conversations at home matter. So do school-based programs, counseling resources, and community awareness campaigns.
Dating Violence Awareness Month is often associated with the national “Love is Respect” campaign, which encourages teens to define and expect mutual respect in relationships. The theme aligns with what local leaders in Hays County are emphasizing: prevention through empowerment.
When young people understand what a healthy relationship looks like — trust, equality, communication, and consent — they are more likely to seek help if something feels wrong.
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The Local Impact on Schools and Academic Success
The effects of dating violence extend beyond the relationship itself. According to the CDC, students who experience dating violence are more likely to struggle with attendance and academic performance. Emotional distress can impact focus, confidence, and classroom engagement.
For a fast-growing county like Hays County, where families continue relocating for strong schools and community life, ensuring safe environments for teens is central to maintaining that quality of life.
Healthy relationships contribute not only to individual safety but also to stronger school cultures and safer campuses.
What Families and Teens Can Do
Dating Violence Awareness Month provides an opportunity for proactive steps:
- Encourage open conversations about relationships and boundaries.
- Teach teens to recognize signs of emotional, physical, and digital abuse.
- Model respectful communication at home.
- Share resources like loveisrespect.org or the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE).
- Reach out to school counselors if concerns arise.
For teens who may need immediate support, confidential help is available 24/7 through the National Domestic Violence Hotline and text-based services.
What Happens Next in Hays County?
While the Commissioners Court’s proclamation formally recognizes February 2026 as Dating Violence Awareness Month, the broader goal is year-round awareness.
Community leaders, educators, and parents play an ongoing role in reinforcing safe, respectful relationships. By bringing visibility to the issue, Hays County is positioning itself as a community that prioritizes youth safety, mental health, and informed decision-making.
For residents, the takeaway is simple but significant: conversations today can prevent harm tomorrow.
As Hays County continues to grow, so does the shared responsibility to ensure that teens feel safe, supported, and educated about what healthy relationships truly look like.
Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for continued local coverage impacting Hays County families, schools, and community wellbeing.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
