I Wish I Had Known

When we talk with adults about our work, one refrain comes up again and again: “I wish someone had taught me this when I was a teen.”

Those words echo what we witness every day: prevention is powerful. When young people are given the tools to understand healthy relationships, it can change the course of their lives, shaping their confidence, their safety, and the relationships they carry into adulthood.

This February, in recognition of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, we are launching the “I Wish I Had Known” awareness and prevention campaign. We invited adults to reflect on what they wish they had learned about relationships when they were younger and how that knowledge might have altered their lives.

The responses we received were deeply moving and revealed strikingly consistent themes:

– Dating violence can happen to anyone.

– Abuse is never the fault of the person being harmed, even when they are led to believe it is.

– Anyone can cause harm in a relationship, even people who appear respected or trustworthy.

– Unhealthy and toxic relationships are often normalized and glorified in media and culture.

– Many of us grow up absorbing damaging messages about love, power, and control.

– Recognizing early warning signs of abuse is critical.

– Healing is possible, through therapy, support groups, and strong community care.

– Isolation from friends and family is a common and harmful tactic of abuse.

We are profoundly grateful to everyone who shared their story. The honesty and courage reflected in these submissions are a powerful testament to resilience. By speaking out, these contributors are helping to spark understanding, foster healing, and ensure that the next generation grows up equipped to build relationships rooted in respect, safety, and care.

Throughout February, we will be sharing these reflections via our blog, social media, and newsletter. We invite you to read, reflect, and join us in imagining a future where fewer people have to say, “I wish I had known.”