DECATUR, Ga. and ALPHARETTA, Ga., Feb. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence (GCADV) and Verizon Wireless have teamed up to call attention to the signs of unhealthy relationships during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and beyond.

The U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that young people ages 12 to 19 experience the highest rates of relationship violence, abuse, and assault. An the state level, Georgia's 2010 Fatality Review showed that more than 52 percent of the victim cases reviewed began their relationships when they were between the ages of 16 and 24. 

Because teen dating violence is a significant public health problem that should be addressed through early prevention and intervention efforts, Verizon Wireless and GCADV aim to educate Georgians on ways to identify teen dating violence and the resources available to help someone experiencing relationship abuse. 

In its commitment to teen dating violence awareness and prevention efforts, GCADV offers the following important information:

Forms of Dating Violence
Dating violence is often only seen through the physical lens; however, there are various forms of dating violence:

• Physical
• Emotional
• Sexual
• Digital

Common Signs
Common signs seen in teen victims of dating violence may vary on a case by case basis and include:

• Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities
• Changes in dress habits or behavior
• Bruises or injuries

How to Help
Help someone who may be experiencing dating violence by being supporting and knowing the resources available to them. Supportive actions include:

• Supporting a friend's courage to ask for help
• Letting them know that what they are experiencing isn't their fault
• Knowing who to reach out to for assistance and safety

Digital Safety
Recognizing that dating violence can include digital stalking and harassment, Verizon Wireless offers Georgia's wireless customers these tips to protect themselves:

• Remember you have the right to be alone and spend time with friends and family without your partner getting angry
• Be mindful when using check-ins like Facebook Places and Foursquare
• Tell someone, such as a counselor or campus health official, if you are being harassed or physically harmed in your relationship.

For a complete version of the above teen dating violence awareness and prevention tips and resources, visit  http://gcadv.org/gcadv-and-verizon-wireless-come-together-to-support-teen-dating-violence-education/.

SOURCE Verizon Wireless