SCV Domestic Violence Center (DVC) staff and leadership were honored Tuesday by the county for their work preventing teen dating abuse.

Three members of the DVC were recognized at the Feb. 21 meeting of the L.A. County Board of Supervisors for the In Touch with Teens program.

“We were not expecting this honor,” said Linda Davies, executive director of the Domestic Violence Center. “I’m glad the women I work with were recognized for all their hard work.”

The DVC’s youth outreach is currently in nine Santa Clarita Valley high schools, presenting In Touch With Teens Educational Curriculum. The program is designed to meet many California State standards and is line with Common Core, according to the DVC.

This evidence-based curriculum was created by Peace Over Violence and designed to promote healthy relationships through education, advocacy and organizing, according to the DVC website.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Every year, approximately 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner, according to the CDC.

During the month of February, advocates join efforts to raise awareness about dating violence, highlight promising practices and encourage communities to get involved, according to the Domestic Violence Awareness project.

One of the programs created by the center involves inviting high school students to create public service announcements regarding the dangers of domestic violence.

The contest asks participants to create a 60-second film to engage viewers, and educate or bring awareness to violence in teen relationships.

“The goal of the contest is to raise awareness,” said Youth Prevention Specialist Alexandra Garcia. “This is a way for students to get the attention of their peers and the community.”

All of the videos will be screened for the community at the Savia Center on Feb. 24. The top two PSAs will be awarded a $500 scholarship.

The contest winners will be recognized at the DVC’s fundraising event “Great Escape Gala” on March 17.

Teen dating violence is defined as the physical, sexual, psychological or emotional violence within a dating relationship, including stalking.

Dating violence can negatively impact a teen’s emotional and social development. In some cases, dating violence can lead to depression, health problems, academic problems and even suicide attempts, according to the DVC.

The In Touch with Teens program has expanded to include junior high schools in the William S. Hart Union High School District, according to Davies.

“We hope to help teens create violence-free relationships,” said the DVC, “by encouraging peer-to-peer education.”