County supports stand against teen dating violence

By Marc Robertson - Editor | February 12, 2025

Proclamation for February highlights local support, awareness, intervention

Civic leaders, county government officials, emergency responders, school representatives and advocates joined La Salle County Judge Leodoro Martinez III on Friday, February 7, in proclaiming Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, encouraging the community to promote healthy relationships for the young and to take action against abuse.
“This is a time dedicated to shedding light on a topic that affects millions of young people,” the county judge said, “and we cannot afford to ignore it. Every year, countless teenagers experience abuse in their relationships, whether physical, emotional or digital.
“The truth is, it happens far more often than we realize,” Martinez added. “Teen dating violence is not just about physical harm. It includes emotional abuse, manipulation, control, and isolation. It’s about someone trying to make you feel small, worthless or afraid.
“No one should feel trapped in a relationship like that,” the county judge said. “You deserve to feel respected, valued and loved, not controlled, humiliated or frightened.”
The judge was joined by members of the Cotulla Woman’s Club, the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office, county commissioners, the La Salle Fire Rescue, Cotulla ISD administrators, the Wintergarden Women’s Shelter, the La Salle County probation offices, the county attorney’s office, the Department of Public Safety, the Children’s Alliance of South Texas, justices of the peace, the county jail and emergency dispatch staff, and elections office staff in promoting the month’s designation with a call for improved community understanding of teen dating violence and education in identifying critical situations, intervention, and access to resources for victims.

La Salle County government elected officials and staff, law enforcement, school district and civic organization leaders, advocates and the Cotulla Woman’s Club marked February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month with a ceremony in the district courtroom last Friday and a proclamation by County Judge Leodoro Martinez III.
(CURRENT Photo: Marc Robertson)

“Awareness is the first step to change,” the judge said. “By talking about teen dating violence, we begin to break the silence. We make it clear that this kind of behavior is unacceptable.
“To the teens who may be listening today, if you are in a relationship like this, please know that there is support available,” Martinez said. “You don’t have to face it alone. Talk to someone you trust – whether it’s a friend, family member, teacher or counselor. There are hotlines, resources, and organizations that are ready to support you in taking steps toward a healthier, happier future.”
Cotulla High School Principal Stephanie Canales said district staff are ready to provide support and intervention in cases of teen dating violence and other relationship abuse.
“We help young people learn what healthy relationships are,” Canales said. “We know what things to watch out for. Sometimes we as community members put on blinders and we don’t see the signs, but the most dangerous time in a relationship is during and after a breakup. Teens are learning to set boundaries, but teens have different pressures, peer pressure, and the influences of the internet. Communication with parents goes a long way towards maintaining healthy relationships.
“As educators, we deal with students who find themselves in these situations,” the principal said. “They don’t know that it’s not okay for a partner to hit them. Our teachers are good at noticing these things.”
“Teen dating abuse is a significant health issue where victimization increases teens’ risk for injury, substance abuse, eating disorders, unwanted pregnancy, and suicide,” the county judge said. “I urge all citizens to promote healthy relationships by having conversations about respectful and non-violent relationships in homes, schools and communities.”

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