As a mother, when the news comes on and I see a horrific story about a child that was abused, and worse killed I break out in tears. One part of me wants to run and turn the TV off the other part wants to use the story conversation starter. I know we all remember Yeardley Love, such a tragic, she was killed by her boyfriend in the dorm. I met her mother,  at a round table discussion she is getting the message out about abusive relationships and the signs. This women has has courage and is saving lives around the world. Forever her beautiful daughters face is seared in my mind, with a message that we must talk to our children about. . "Family of Yeardley Love sets up foundation". USA Today.Murder of Yeardley LoveDateMay 3, 2010

 I was surprised byt the recent Mary Kay survey, “Don’t Look Away,” revealed that three out of four parents fail to have this conversation with their children. The talk is crucial, though, as studies have found that an alarming rate—one in three teens—will be involved in an abusive relationship.

Murder of Yeardley Love

Date	May 3, 2010
Location	222 14th Street, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
Coordinates	38.035568°N 78.498778°W
Cause	Blunt force trauma
Deaths	Yeardley Love
Burial	Baltimore, Maryland
Suspect(s)	George Wesley Huguely V
Charges	First degree murder, felony murder, robbery of a residence, burglary, entering a house with an intent to commit a felony, grand larceny
Verdict	Guilty, sentenced to 23 years in prison (release date of 2029)

In an effort to raise awareness about teen dating violence, an event to kick off the national initiative NO MORE Silence: It’s Time to Talk Day was held in New York City (and many other cities in the U.S.) on Tuesday, February 4.  Mary Kay, Break the Cycle, an organization dedicated to dating abuse prevention, and Verizon hosted the event. (February is also National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month).

Olympic Gold Medalist Jordyn Wieber, who works with Mary Kay to raise awareness about the issue, attended the event and shared her support of the cause. “I’m excited to work with Mary Kay to get parents to reach out to their kids and make other teens aware of what a healthy relationship looks like,” Wieber said. Dating-violence awareness is key, but, she adds, “it can be something as simple as a mean text message or calling you names.”

Jordyn’s mother, Rita Wieber, stressed the importance of parents discussing the subject with their children. “Communication is key. Don’t be afraid to sit down and have that conversation with your daughter about what to look for in an abusive relationship,” she said. She also said the best time to talk is in the car. 

Also at the event was Danielle H., 21, who endured an abusive relationship, which ended up being a major learning experience for her. “I know what’s healthy and what to look for in a future partner,” she said reflecting on the relationship. “It was a very eye-opening experience". This "little girl" with a big heart and a powerful message, touched my heart. I had to give her a BIG MOMMY HUG.(picture above) I also spoke to her parents at the event, her father said, her friends called him and told them about the abuse." Its so important to know your kids friends". Danielle parents were, there, supportive, nice people, loving parents. This can happen to anyone of our children. Please take a moment and read the signs.

Darlene Kiyan, executive director of Break the Cycle, also attended to show her support. “I am a mother of a 17-year-old son and I really want to be able to teach him how to be a good partner, how to treat his partners appropriately and how to be appropriately treated,” she said. “This isn’t an issue with only girls getting abused, but we find the issue also happens to young men.” Morris Chestnut, who  starred in some of my favorites, Boyz n the Hood, The Best Man, Nurse Jackie and more! He had great advice!

Along with Mary Kay and Break the Cycle, Verizon has been a long supporter of domestic violence prevention. Verizon accepts used-phone donations and directs them to charities that support domestic violence survivors. Since 2001, more than 10 million devices have been collected across the country and more than $18 million monetary grants have been distributed to organizations dedicated to domestic violence prevention.

Elva Lima, Verizon Wireless’ executive director of community relations, said: “I am the parent of two young men in college, and having to talk to them about being in healthy relationships is no different than talking about safe driving or when we talk to them about sex. It’s a national movement. It’s time to not keep this issue silent. I am so proud that Verizon has chosen to be involved in this social issue and to get out and work with the community.”

Have you had the conversation with your teens about dating violence yet? Consider these tips to initiate the conversation.  

–Mary Kay’s “Don’t Look Away” survey on teens and dating violence
–Break the Cycle, an agency that fights against youth dating violence
–Verizon's HopeLine program, which directs used phones to domestic violence survivors