As Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month comes to a close, parents are being reminded to stay engaged and informed about their teens’ relationships.

Sojourn Shelter & Services is encouraging families across central Illinois to talk openly with teens about what healthy — and unhealthy — relationships look like.

Experts say healthy teen relationships are built on mutual respect, honest communication, trust, and personal boundaries. Dating violence, however, can take many forms beyond physical abuse — including emotional manipulation, controlling behavior, sexual coercion, and digital abuse like constant texting or tracking.

Parents are urged to watch for warning signs such as sudden mood changes, withdrawal from friends, anxiety around phones or social media, or fear of upsetting a partner.

Sojourn says one of the most important steps parents can take is simply listening. Asking open-ended questions, staying calm, and avoiding judgment can help teens feel safe sharing concerns. If a teen is in immediate danger, parents are advised to call 911.

Help is available locally. Sojourn operates a 24-hour hotline for residents of Sangamon, Christian, Logan, Menard, and Montgomery counties at 217-726-5200.

Additional resources include Love is Respect, a project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, and the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline.

Throughout February, Sojourn has been offering school presentations, parent education, and free confidential support services focused on prevention and awareness.

More information or help is available at help4dv.org, or by calling 217-726-5100.