Winding Down of Programs

January 21, 2021

Winding Down Break the Cycle’s Programs

Founded in 1996, Break the Cycle was the first national organization to recognize and fill a gap by working with young people ages 12-24 on dating and sexual violence. From building legal practices in Los Angeles and Washington DC to… Read More

I Don’t Have Your Number Anymore, But I’d Still Know It’s You
May 06, 2020
I Don’t Have Your Number Anymore, But I’d Still Know It’s You

Written by: Tatsumi Romano Advocate/Survivor

*this article was originally posted on Medium on April 14, 2020

Before

“Hang on, my mom’s calling me.”

My friend rolled her eyes and answered… Read More

NAVIGATING VIRTUAL REALITIES: HOW BREAK THE CYCLE HAS ACHIEVED ITS MISSION WITH A REMOTE WORKFORCE
April 27, 2020

Break the Cycle transformed into a virtual non-profit five years ago centered in our mission to end relationship violence for young people.  Backed by a dynamic and diverse team of attorneys, educators, and digital experts we have “operationalized” our mission into all that we do…. Read More

HOW CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) IS AFFECTING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASES IN LA COURTS
March 19, 2020
HOW CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) IS AFFECTING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASES IN LA COURTS

By: Suma Mathai, Interim Managing Attorney, Break the Cycle (Los Angeles)

Our world is changing as government officials are working to keep the public safe from the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), which means… Read More

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) AND CLOSINGS: HOW YOU CAN CONTINUE TO BE SAFE AND SEEK PROTECTION. (For residents or those with cases in DC)
March 17, 2020
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) AND CLOSINGS: HOW YOU CAN CONTINUE TO BE SAFE AND SEEK PROTECTION.  (For residents or those with cases in DC)

By: Tamiaya J. Mosesly, Managing Attorney, DC Legal Services

(Note: This blog was updated on 3/23/2020 and will continue to be updated as new information… Read More

2019 Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month Theme is Here!
December 07, 2018
The 2019 Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month theme is officially here!

BUT how in the word did we come up with that?

Well..earlier this year, a young person named Zachary Mallory from Kansas City, MO submitted an idea to Break the Cycle’s 2019 Teen Dating Violence Awareness… Read More

Dating Violence and the Reauthorization of VAWA
August 03, 2018
In 1994, Congress passed the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 1994, the first federal law designed to end violence against women. Recognizing the severity of the crimes of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, leadership from both sides of the aisle worked together to enact… Read More
Journaling: A tool for Healing
May 29, 2018
Being in an abusive relationship can cause one to feel like they have lost their sense of self. When I was in unhealthy relationships, I would often disown the parts of me that my partner didn’t like. Either he would outright express his dislike of an aspect of my personality or he would do so… Read More
From Friends to More: Leveling Up a Relationship
April 17, 2018
When talking with young people, one of the questions that Break the Cycle often gets is how to take your relationship to the next level. Many of these questions are about how to let a friend know that you want to be more than friends, letting a partner know that you are ready for the next stage of… Read More
How Social Media Changes Dating
April 02, 2018
This is Real Stories – a blog by Let’s Be Real members about their experiences with relationships, dating, and more. LBR is a movement by young people for young people about relationships.

In today’s world, with the array of dating apps and social media platforms, it is pretty easy to… Read More

Students at the Forefront: “Boyfriend Loophole” Closed with New Gun Law in Oregon
March 20, 2018
Since the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida last month, students have been at the forefront of the debate over gun control in the U.S., and their voices are making a difference. Earlier this month, less than three weeks after the Parkland mass shooting, the first gun control law since the Parkland… Read More
Is Being Possessive a Sign of Love?
March 07, 2018
Dating abuse starts even younger than you think, and in teen relationships can be a common occurrence. Many young people perceive a partner’s controlling behavior as love or affection, when it is often the first sign of an abusive relationship. My story started in seventh grade when I met Jared*… Read More
Warning Signs Spotlight: Checking Your Phone Without Permission
February 28, 2018
The beginning of a new relationship can feel like a breath of fresh air. It’s a unique time where you learn about your partner, explore each other’s wants and needs, and spend quality time together. During this period, you begin building trust and figuring out where the relationship can go in the… Read More
Warning Signs Spotlight: Isolation
February 21, 2018
Spending a lot of time together in a new relationship is normal and fun. You are getting to know each other on a deeper level, emotionally and sometimes physically. You may get the “stars in your eyes, let’s only hang out with each other” type feeling because this person makes you feel attractive…
Warning Signs Spotlight: Put Downs
February 15, 2018
Among the many obstacles you may face in relationships, determining when your partner crosses the line can be a tricky one. This line may be one that you’ve talked about, or one that you haven’t opened up about yet. Either way, your values and feelings are important.

If a partner uses words to…

Warning Signs Spotlight: Pressuring for Sex
February 08, 2018
At some point in dating or a relationship, the topic of sex might come up. When there is open communication, respect, and trust, sex can be a comfortable and enjoyable experience. If you aren’t ready for sex, saying “no” or “I’m not ready” is still perfectly fine because there is mutual respect…. Read More
Aziz Ansari, and many other men
January 16, 2018
This blog post is originally from abbyhonold.com and all rights are reserved to the author. Abby is a rape survivor/thriver + sexual assault advocate. Her work includes fighting for a bill to expand the use of trauma-informed techniques in responding to sexual assault. Thank you… Read More
The Golden Globes Show Why We Need Prevention
January 11, 2018
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault advocates collectively raised our fists together in solidarity with the #TimesUp movement makers at the 2018 Golden Globes. This is yet another headline grabbing moment when celebrities and activists are united to bring urgent attention to the epidemic of of… Read More
Let’s Taco Bout Relationships
December 27, 2017
Have a relationship question you really want answered, but aren’t sure who to ask? Let’s Be Real members host Taco Bout It Tuesday, a weekly show where we answer your relationship questions on the platform that you use daily: Snapchat! Our questions come from in-person events, Real Talks, and our… Read More
Meet Our 2018 Teen DV Month Design Contest Finalists!
December 19, 2017
UPDATE – 2.5.18 – Congratulations to Michaela R., our contest winner! Purchase our official Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month shirt here.

Continuing our tradition from 2017’s Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, we launched a special contest for our community of activists and… Read More