Governor Kathy Hochul has declared February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in New York, emphasizing the state’s efforts to protect teens in digital environments and prevent youth violence. Sixteen landmarks across the state will be illuminated in orange on Sunday, February 1, to mark the occasion.
Governor Hochul stated, “Every New Yorker deserves to build healthy and supportive relationships online and offline while feeling safe and protected. That’s why we’re advancing common-sense initiatives that will implement safeguards to protect our teens from digital dangers and we will continue to ensure they have all the tools they need to safely navigate online platforms.”
Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York has introduced several measures aimed at improving online safety for young people. In 2025, she signed legislation requiring social media platforms with features like infinite scroll or algorithm-driven feeds to display warning labels. The state also enacted restrictions on cellphone use during school hours and introduced protections for AI companion systems, focusing on safeguarding youth. As part of her 2026 State of the State agenda, Governor Hochul proposed additional steps to shield children from online threats such as predators, scammers, and harmful AI chatbots.
The Safeguard Teens from Online Sexual Exploitation Initiative led by Governor Hochul directed the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) to create training resources about technology-facilitated abuse and launch a public awareness campaign on digital safety.
For Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, OPDV is offering a Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence 101 training for teens and parents. This program aims to help participants recognize and respond to technology abuses like sextortion. OPDV also launched “What the Flag?!?”, an awareness project displaying indicators of healthy and unhealthy relationships based on real experiences shared by New Yorkers through social media.
In March 2025, OPDV started the “Power Down Speak Up” campaign encouraging youth to take action in protecting themselves online. The campaign provides information for parents, educators, and law enforcement professionals on supporting young people’s safe internet use. This initiative continues into 2026 with expanded focus on building healthy relationships and preventing technology-facilitated abuse.
Kelli Nicholas Owens, Executive Director of OPDV said: “Teens are growing up in a truly digital age where online experiences shape their friendships, relationships, and impact their mental health. Every time they log on, they can be one click away from content that promotes harm or exploitation. I thank Governor Hochul for her bold commitment to innovative solutions that not only increase safety online but also promote healthy relationships and prevent dating and gender-based violence before it starts.”
Dr. James McDonald, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Health added: “Exposure to intimate relationship violence can have serious and long-lasting impacts on health, particularly for teenagers who may be more vulnerable to technology-based abuse. Teen dating violence can lead to poor mental health outcomes and an increased risk for chronic illnesses, including heart disease, stroke, and weakened immunity. I thank Governor Hochul and the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence for shining a light on this issue and for advancing commonsense statewide policies that protect young New Yorkers.”
Rossana Rosado, Commissioner of the Division of Criminal Justice Services commented: “Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month is a reminder that every young New Yorker deserves safe, healthy relationships, online and offline. DCJS is proud to support OPDV in raising awareness and helping connect New Yorkers to the resources they need to lead healthy lives.”
Bea Hanson, Director of the Office of Victim Services said: “Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent teen dating violence and support survivors. Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month is an opportunity to help the public recognize the warning signs of abuse, start important conversations, and make sure young people know they are not alone, and that help is available.”
Sixteen sites across New York—including One World Trade Center; Empire State Plaza; Niagara Falls; Grand Central Terminal’s Pershing Square Viaduct; Moynihan Train Hall; Roosevelt Island Lighthouse; among others—will participate in lighting events honoring Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.
The Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence remains unique as a Cabinet-level executive agency dedicated solely to gender-based violence issues in any U.S. state. Support services are available around-the-clock via phone (800-942-6906), text (844-997-2121), or chat (@opdv.ny.gov).
