Seven Million Teens.

That’s how many young people Break the Cycle has helped build healthy relationships in the last 20 years. Here’s how we’ve done it:

Youth Leadership & Education

Break the Cycle inspires and supports young people in building a culture of healthy relationships. We’re guided by our Let’s Be Real movement enthusiastic, committed young people located nationally taking action to ending dating abuse.

Training & Capacity Building

Break the Cycle believes that knowledge is power. Our experts train adults across the country on how to promote healthy youth relationships and serve young survivors in their community. From law enforcement officers, attorneys, and government officials to educators, counselors, parents, and advocates, we work with individuals and institutions that ensure young people have the resources they need to build healthy relationships and address abusive ones.

Legal Services

Break the Cycle helps young people experiencing abuse in a relationship navigate the justice system and find safety. We offer free legal representation to young victims of abuse in Washington DC. Clients must be 12 to 24 years old, living in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and experiencing abuse. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse and could use legal counsel, contact our legal services program at 202-849-6283 or email us: mberesin[at]breakthecycle.org

Policy & Advocacy

Break the Cycle has been at the forefront of major nationwide policy changes to better protect the rights and promote the health of young people. Our team works at the local, state and federal levels to help ensure young people have resources they need to get out of abusive relationships. We sponsor a growing national grassroots coalition of parents, teachers and advocates known as Love Is Not Abuse whose mission is to implement dating violence education and policies in their communities.

Public Awareness

Having helped establish February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month (Teen DV Month), we maintain an online hub for all national activities and promotion of Teen DV Month. The web pages offer resources for youth, adults, and communities that want to plan awareness-raising activities in February, as well as hosting Break the Cycle Teen DV Month’s annual campaigns.

Community Impact

Our team works everyday to connect with community members, youth, and adults who are dedicated to creating a culture free from abuse. Take a look at our impact reports  below to see the progress we’re making towards inspiring change and ending dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and cyber abuse. 

2019

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (Infographic)

April – June (Quarter 2 Report)

Do You Need Help?

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 right away. To chat with a peer advocate, text “loveis” to 22522.