Teen DatiDg Violence Awareness Month.

• Position: FATHERHOOD

February is Teen Dating VIOlence Awareness Month. ''One of the most fundamental elements of fathertlood involves a father being present to model what a man should be to his children," says Joel N. Myers, founder of Dad's Resource Center, State College, Pa.

A son learns best how to live a life of integrity and accountability when he sees his father embody these characteristics. Similarly, he learns to treat women with grace and dignity by seeing his father do the same, and a daughter is more likely to expect the men in her life to treat her with respect and dignity when she benefits from growing up with the respect, ongoing love, and nurturance of her father.

Teen dating violence includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological distress, and stalking. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one in 11 female and one in 14 male high school students have experienced physical dating violence in the last year. When it comes to sexual dating violence among high school students, one in eight females have experienced it, as have one in 26 males.

Here are four ways that fathers can help prevent dating violence:

* Be a role model. How you...