This may be the first year for New Jersey's "Safe Dating" Education law, but at the Linda & Rudy Slucker Center for Women, dating abuse programs and preventive measures have been a part of this organization for the past 20 years.

At the Women's Center, the Essex County division of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), the message is clear and simple, Love Shouldn't Hurt.

With Teen Dating Abuse (TDA) programs originally implemented in 1992, volunteers with extensive training have been instructing teenagers in high school health classes on how to recognize and end abusive relationships.

With the month of February designated National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, the Center for Women is now bringing their message beyond the classroom to alert parents and the greater community of this widespread problem.

"It's a perfect time for parents to take the opportunity to speak with their children about healthy and unhealthy dating relationships," stated Doris Spector, co-chair of the program.  She added, "the February awareness month is a good launching point to start a conversation."

In addition to speaking to high schools, the program, entitled "Teen Dating: the Untold Story", is now offered to groups such as PTA's, churches and synagogues.

"Teen dating abuse, whether physical or emotional, is a problem that is present in every type of community, among all types of teenagers from families across the economic and social spectrum," stated Jill Sorkin Johnson, President NCJW/Essex.  "NCJW is thrilled to know that all students throughout New Jersey will be exposed to this important information to help them recognize and avoid abusive relationships," Johnson added.

Studies have found the following:

• 1 in 3 adolescents who has been in a dating relationship has experienced verbal or physical abuse from a dating partner.
• Almost 80% of girls who have been physically abused continue to date their abusive partner.
• 19% of teens in a 2010 survey confessed to committing violence against a dating partner.
• 15% of teens who have been in a relationship report having been hit, slapped, or pushed by their dating partner.
• 21% of teens who have been in a relationship say their partner tried to prevent them from seeing family or friends.
• 43% of those in a "serious" relationship say that it's "good" or "okay" for a dating partner to behave in a jealous or controlling manner.

For more information on scheduling a free TDA presentation for your school or parent group, or to learn about becoming a TDA volunteer, please call the NCJW Center for Women at 973-994-4994.

For additional information about TDA, visit the Center for Women website.