February is 'Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month' and a local domestic violence advocate is promoting how young people can avoid becoming victims.

Andrea Kocher is the Director of Services at Willow Tree Missions and indicates teens that who have a strong sense of self-confidence and self-worth are often the ones that are least likely to become a victim of teen dating violence.

Like so many behaviors and habits, these are traits established in the home. If mom and dad are confident in who they are, then a teen is likely to emulate that behavior.

Kocher (right) also encourages teens to keep passwords and other methods of communication and tracking to themselves. She says tracking and stalking are the top red flags in teen dating violence situations.

Kocher has several recommendations for resources for teens. You can contact Willow Tree Missions at 217-762-2350 or visit willowtreemissions.org. 

She has found some young people are not comfortable reaching out to a local resource so they reach out to the national network - LoveIsResoect.org or by texting 22522.