I Wish I Had Known: A campaign to end teen dating violence

Take Back the Halls (TBTH) is a powerful initiative that empowers young people to build healthy relationships, prevent teen dating violence, and create lasting change in their schools and communities.

When we speak with adults about our work, one sentiment rises again and again: “I wish someone had taught me this when I was a teen.” Their words affirm what we see every day—prevention is transformative. It can alter the trajectory of a young person’s life, shaping their confidence, their safety, and their future relationships.

Domestic violence is a crisis in our community.   

Even as Chicago’s overall homicide rates have declined, dating and domestic violence remain an urgent and devastating threat. Domestic homicides rose 75% during the pandemic and have continued to average well above pre-pandemic levels. In the first half of 2025, Chicago experienced a 33% drop in homicides after significant investment in gun and community violence prevention. Yet in that same period, domestic violence homicides increased by 33%. The contrast is clear: when we invest in prevention, violence decreases—so we must extend that investment to dating and domestic violence prevention.

The 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey from Chicago Public Schools underscores this crisis:

• 11.8% of high school students reported experiencing dating violence in the past year
• 9.7% reported experiencing sexual violence

The consequences of teen dating violence are profound and far-reaching, including:

• decreased school attendance and academic achievement
• increased anxiety, depression, and self-harm risk
• greater likelihood of substance misuse
• isolation from friends and family
• increased risk of victimization in adulthood

Yet students and teachers consistently tell us the same thing: they do not have the knowledge, skills, or resources to effectively address this growing crisis. The need for comprehensive, accessible dating violence prevention has never been more urgent.

You can help us change that.

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

Your voice can spark understanding, encourage healing, and help ensure that the next generation grows up equipped to build relationships rooted in respect, safety, and care.