Grant County Advocates Offer Support During Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Counseling and crisis services available for youth facing relationship pressures

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and advocates from the Heart of Grant County organization in John Day, Oregon are highlighting the resources available for local youth. Elisha Nightingale and Molly Graves discussed the unique challenges faced by today's teens, who often deal with relationship issues and social pressures 24/7 through electronic devices. The advocates emphasized that their 24-hour crisis line is available for anyone needing support around potentially unhealthy relationships.

Why it matters

Teen dating violence is a serious issue that can have long-lasting impacts on young people's mental health, self-esteem, and future relationships. By raising awareness and providing accessible support services, the Heart of Grant County advocates aim to help local youth navigate the complexities of dating and build healthy relationship skills.

The details

Elisha Nightingale and Molly Graves, advocates from the Heart of Grant County organization, were recently featured on a local radio show to discuss teen dating violence and the resources available in the community. They emphasized that today's youth often face greater pressures and relationship challenges due to the constant connectivity of electronic devices, with social drama and potential abuse tactics following them even into their bedrooms. The advocates stressed that their 24-hour crisis line at 541-620-1342 is available for any teens or others who need to talk about an unhealthy relationship.

  • February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

The players

Elisha Nightingale

An advocate with the Heart of Grant County organization.

Molly Graves

An advocate with the Heart of Grant County organization.

Heart of Grant County

A local advocacy organization that provides counseling and crisis services related to teen dating violence and other relationship issues.

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What they’re saying

“For the younger generation it's 24/7. They're not going home from school and stepping away from the social pressures and friendship issues that they're working through—or relationships. They don't turn it off, typically, unless there's guidelines and boundaries with phone usage. They're taking it into their bedroom and all hours of the night their phone can be blowing up with either drama, or information, or abuse tactics…”

— Elisha Nightingale, Advocate (KJDY's Coffee Time)

The takeaway

The Heart of Grant County advocates are working to raise awareness and provide critical support services for local youth facing the unique challenges of teen dating violence in the digital age. Their 24-hour crisis line is a vital resource for any young person struggling with an unhealthy relationship.