CEDARS encourages conversations during teen dating violence awareness month 

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Allyson Rickertsen, a former Therapist at CEDARS Youth Services and now the Shelter Director, has seen some of Lincoln’s teens at their lowest points.

There is a story of a young woman who came to CEDARS for help that sticks out in her mind, a teen who was pregnant and having a hard time leaving an abusive relationship.

“Because of the relationship we built, she started to feel safe enough to tell us, well I don’t wear this anymore because my partner says I shouldn’t wear this anymore and that started to turn into wearing clothing that was covering up bruises. So what started out as a healthy, kind of young relationship, turned into a controlling, jealous, power dynamic,” Rickertsen said.

This young lady was one of the lucky ones who eventually was able to leave that toxic relationship, but that’s not the case for others.

CEDARS has seen a dramatic increase in teens needing assistance since the pandemic.

“Having conversations with other entities in the state, referrals, police contact, all of them are increasing significantly. I think the reality of the pandemic, I think the reality of schools being closed down so long,” Rickertsen said.

February is teen dating violence awareness month and CEDARS says now more than ever, it’s important to recognize the signs your loved one could be in a dangerous place.

“Things to look out for is anytime someone is trying to observe control in a relationship over the other person and when any partner in that relationship doesn’t have the opportunity to say no or to have their boundaries respected,” Rickertsen said.

One of the most important things you can do as a parent or loved one is have a conversation.

“Teenagers need to learn how to be in relationships, they need to build those skills, we think that they’re really great social people, but they don’t learn that on their own, they do it by being taught. So having conversations that are really honest and open and creating a relationship dynamic where teenagers feel they can tell you when something’s not right,” Rickertsen said.

For more information on CEDARS, and the resources they have within their facility, click HERE.