Suquamish Integrated Victim Services is calling on the entire Suquamish community to help end teen dating violence with a message that everyone deserves healthy and safe relationships.

With a series of events throughout February focused on education, prevention, and the power of Indigenous love languages, SIVS will engage students, families, and the broader community through events and initiatives designed to inspire and inform.

Events will include:

• Feb. 11 – Wear Orange Day: Show your support by wearing orange! Participants can pick up T-shirts and enter a raffle. Details on obtaining shirts will be announced soon.
• Feb. 22 – Coastal Gathering: Join us for a shared meal and traditional coastal jams, a joyful event celebrating community and connection.
• Feb. 27 –  Community Dinner & Bingo Night: Enjoy a free meal prepared with love and engage in family-friendly fun.
• All month –  Social Media Sharing:  Share your thoughts! What does Indigenous love language mean to you? Post your answer on Facebook, tagging @suquamishintegratedvictimservices, or email [email protected]. Anonymous submissions will be shared to inspire others.

Teen dating violence is more common than many realize. National statistics reveal that one in three teens in the United States experiences physical, sexual, or emotional abuse by someone they are in a relationship with before adulthood.

“Education and prevention are vital to reducing this crisis,” said SIVS advocate Kylee Gingrey in a recent briefing to Tribal Council. “Our goal is to provide tools that foster understanding, respect, and safety among our youth.”

Among those tools, SIVS has created a new Guide to Teen Dating Violence Awareness. This age-appropriate resource addresses consent, recognizing abuse, and supporting friends in need. Throughout the month, SIVS will also visit local schools, including Chief Kitsap Academy, Kingston Middle School, and Kingston High School, reaching over 300 Native students.

“The outreach aims to amplify Indigenous love languages and create a space where students feel seen, heard, and respected,” added SIVS advocate Nina Old Coyote.

Chairman Leonard Forsman commended the initiative, stating, “Programs like this are critical to educating our youth and supporting healthy relationships within the community. Their work shows the strength and care we have for one another.”

For more information or to get involved, contact SIVS at [email protected].