Zach White, a 4-H youth development agent with the WVU Extension, shared insight into healthy and unhealthy relationships.

The message of Teen Dating Violence 101 was clear: “Love should not hurt.”

White led the attendees, who ranged from age 12 to adult, through a series of scenarios that they decided either was a red flag or green flag in a potential relationship.

The goal was to teach teens to warning signs of controlling, manipulative or abusive behaviors as well as share resources to help in development of a safety plan if needed. 

This platter of raw strawberries awaits embellishment courtesy of attendees at Friday’s Teen Group. Strawberries would skewered and dipped in chocolate heated in a nearby fondue pot before sprinklers were added during the monthly meeting held at the Chester Municipal Building. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

For example, your partner supports goals and encourages your success. (GREEN FLAG)

Your partner constantly checks your phone without permission. (RED FLAG)

“Love should feel safe, supportive and respectful,” White explained, “If you notice red flags, talk to someone you trust.”

Along the same vein as the Valentine’s Day holiday, which is coming up Feb. 14, and recognition of February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, attendees made chocolate covered strawberries, dipping the skewered fruit into a fondue pot of melted chocolate and covering it with sprinkles. 

The presentation was sponsored by the Hancock County Family Support Center’s Chester location, where it holds a monthly teen group meeting at 4:30 p.m. on the first Friday each month. 

This plate of chocolate dipped strawberries with sprinkles awaits one of the attendees Friday at the Hancock County Family Support Center’s Teen Group. For February, attendees learned about teen dating violence and made their own sweet treat. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

Presenter Zach White of the WVU Extension shares information regarding teen dating violence during February’s meeting of the Hancock County Family Support Group’s Teen Group Friday in the Chester Municipal Building. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

Leah Benedi, 12, of Chester enjoys a chocolate covered strawberry Friday during the Hancock County Family Support Center’s monthly Teen Group in the Chester Municipal Building. Zach White of the WVU Extension presented a teen dating violence talk for February’s meeting. Attendees skewered their own strawberries, dipping them in a fondue pot containing melted chocolate before adding sprinkles for their snack. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)