A dating abuse awareness programme for teenagers, run by the Centre Against Abuse, has been given a boost by a donation from the Argus Group.

One out of three teenage girls has been the victim of some form of dating violence, according to the Centre.

The initiative, now in its fourth year, was launched during Teen Dating Abuse Awareness Month in February.

Sessions teaching the difference between healthy and inappropriate behaviour in a relationship are offered at various public and private schools ­— including Berkeley Institute, Bermuda High School for Girls, Bermuda Institute, Paget Primary, Sandys Middle School, Clearwater Middle School, Dellwood Middle School, Warwick Academy and Whitney Middle School.

Young people “need to understand that dating violence is not just physical abuse, but also verbal, emotional and digital abuse”, said Laurie Shiell, executive director for the Centre Against Abuse.

Any youth-oriented organisation can contact the Centre Against Abuse to organise a session. For more information, visit www.centreagainstabuse.bm.