Connecticut Agency Shares Domestic Violence Prevention Tips for Teens

Interval House raises awareness during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The domestic violence agency Interval House gathered leaders at CT State Capital Community College in Hartford to discuss domestic violence prevention for teenagers. The key to preventing dating violence is teaching youth what a healthy relationship looks like, with respect, self-advocacy, and boundaries. Organizers said isolation could be a sign of an unhealthy relationship, and violent dating behaviors often start between grades six and 12. The agency is growing partnerships to reach children and bring down domestic violence numbers in the state.

Why it matters

Teen dating violence is a serious issue, with long-term impacts. Raising awareness and providing prevention education can help break the cycle of abuse and empower young people to build healthy relationships.

The details

Interval House, a domestic violence agency, held an event at CT State Capital Community College to discuss ways to prevent dating violence among teenagers. Organizers emphasized the importance of teaching youth what a healthy relationship looks like, with respect, self-advocacy, and boundaries. They noted that isolation could be a sign of an unhealthy relationship, and that violent dating behaviors often start between grades six and 12. The agency is working to grow partnerships in the community to reach more children and reduce domestic violence in the state.

  • February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

The players

Interval House

A domestic violence agency in Connecticut that organized the event to raise awareness about teen dating violence prevention.

Yvonne Alston

The vice chair of Interval House.

Mary-Jane Foster

The president and CEO of Interval House.

Brennden Colbert

A board member with Interval House.

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What they’re saying

“There should be respect, respect of one's voice, and allowance for personal self-advocacy, the ability to say no and have boundaries.”

— Yvonne Alston, Vice Chair, Interval House (wtnh.com)

“Grades go down, the friends go away, you no longer play sports, you are isolating, you are only with one other person. If parents knew it, they could see it because it is very easy to see, and there's one person completely controlling another.”

— Mary-Jane Foster, President and CEO, Interval House (wtnh.com)

“I think the most important thing is not perpetuating this toxic behavior. I don't want anybody to feel that somehow this is okay or they have to normalize it, because it's not.”

— Brennden Colbert, Board Member, Interval House (wtnh.com)

What’s next

Interval House said they have been growing their partnerships in the community to reach more children and bring down domestic violence numbers in the state.

The takeaway

Educating teenagers on the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships, and empowering them to speak up and seek help, is crucial to breaking the cycle of dating violence and abuse. By working together as a community, organizations like Interval House aim to provide the support and resources needed to help young people build safe, respectful relationships.