Riverbend Awareness Project focus on teen dating violence awareness

The Riverbend Awareness Project’s February episode focuses on Teen Dating Violence Awareness, exploring how abuse can take many forms in adolescent relationships — including physical, emotional, sexual, and increasingly, digital.

Tresstan Ker, an advocate from the Idaho Falls Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center, joins the Riverbend Awareness Project hosts to share her experiences. She emphasizes that many teens may not recognize they are in an unhealthy or abusive relationship, which is why education about healthy relationships is so important.

The conversation highlights how control and isolation are often mistaken for care or closeness. Ker explains that abuse can have lasting impacts on emotional well-being, academics, and self-esteem. The episode also underscores the importance of recognizing warning signs early — including changes in behavior, withdrawal, declining grades, or unexplained injuries.

Throughout the episode, the hosts and guest stress the role of trusted adults, open communication, and education in prevention and intervention. Listeners are encouraged to foster judgment-free conversations with teens, promote healthy boundaries, and connect young people with local and national resources when help is needed. The episode ultimately reinforces that teen dating violence is preventable — and that no one has to face it alone.

Find current and past episodes of the Riverbend Awareness Project wherever you enjoy podcasts or on the Riverbend Media Group podcast page here.