Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the launch of “Control Isn’t Love,” a social media advertising campaign to educate teens and adults about the signs of teen dating abuse and where to seek help. The online campaign will target younger audiences and parents through Instagram and Facebook ads that will appear throughout February, which New York State marks annually as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month.
“With this campaign, we are taking an important step to reach teens and young adults in order to educate and crack down on dating abuse,” Governor Cuomo said. “By opening communication between parents and their children, we also want to foster serious discussions and smart decisions to assist others in need.”
The social media ads feature iconic candy conversation hearts but the messages are controlling and demeaning – Loser, Don’t Wear That, Answer Me and others – to illustrate a common form of teen dating abuse. The advertisements will be branded #controlisntlove and link to a newly redesigned website detailing information and resources, including the state’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline at 1-800-942-6906. The toll-free hotline provides help and information 24 hours a day in English, Spanish and other languages, and individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can call 711.
State officials and victim advocates highlighted the campaign during a visit to Troy High School in Rensselaer County this morning. The Instagram and Facebook ads began today and run through the end of the month across the state outside of New York City.
The Governor also issued a proclamation marking February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month in New York State; the month also is recognized nationally.
