Strangulation is increasingly showing up in teen and young adult dating relationships, and the rise is deeply concerning. Often referred to by teens as “choking,” the behavior is frequently framed online and in popular media as normal, consensual, or even desirable. Some teens and young adults believe it creates a feeling of euphoria or heightened […]
For Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, we’re reflecting on what we’re hearing directly from teens in our schools and what it means for prevention. According to Grace Flagler, Younity’s Prevention & Community Educator, today’s teens often know more than adults assume. “They can define abuse. They can identify red flags,” Grace shared during a recent […]
As part of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, we’re highlighting teens who are helping lead real conversations about dating, respect, and boundaries in their schools. Jackie Fuller, a junior at Lawrence High School, serves as one of Younity’s Peer Educators. We asked Jackie to share her perspective on what healthy relationships look like, what red […]
In January 2026, Governor Phil Murphy signed two new laws that reflect a growing recognition of how domestic violence impacts people’s lives, both within the criminal legal system and in ongoing safety planning for survivors. Together, these laws signal a shift toward more trauma-informed approaches that prioritize survivor safety, context, and dignity. Recognizing the Role […]
Financial abuse is one of the most common—and least recognized—forms of abuse. It is often used to gain power and control, limiting a person’s ability to make choices, access resources, or live independently. Financial abuse can include controlling access to money, preventing someone from working, stealing or misusing funds, running up debt in another person’s […]
Stalking is when someone repeatedly follows, contacts, or watches another person in ways that are unwanted and cause fear or distress. This can include constant phone calls, repeated texting or emailing, monitoring through social media, or showing up at places where the person lives, works, or spends time. The key is that the behavior is […]
