Teen dating violence is a pervasive issue that affects millions of adolescents worldwide, yet it remains largely hidden behind close doors. As a teenage girl, I found myself trapped in an emotionally abusive relationship, struggling to break free from its suffocating grip. Navigating relationships became a hard task, marked by a constant fear of repeating past traumas. I struggled to establish boundaries and communicate my needs, fearing rejection or retaliation. The scars of my mental health ran deep, not only affecting romantic relationships but also friendships and familial bonds. I lost the bond my best friend and I once had because I found it so hard to trust her even though she did nothing to me. Something inside me was guarded fiercely to avoid the risk of being hurt again. However, my journey towards healing and empowerment began when I joined the Children’s Trust Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), where I discovered a platform to raise awareness and advocate for a change. Our most recent service project was about Teen Dating Violence. For the event, we prepared care packages which included, toothbrushes, hand soaps, shampoos, conditioners, hairbrushes, tote bags and little cards with thoughtful messages from each of the (YAC) members. One pivotal moment during our project was the testimony of a survivor who courageously shared her journey of healing. As she recounted her story, tears mingled with determination in her eyes, and I felt a profound sense of solidarity. Her resilience inspired not only me but other young teens to confront our own trauma and reclaim our voice. As a survivor of emotional abuse, I understand the profound impact it can have on one’s life, but I also believe in the resilience of the human spirit. By raising awareness, advocating for change, and providing support to those in need, we can break the cycle of violence and create a future where every adolescent feels safe, respected, and empowered in their relationships. My journey through teen dating violence has taught me the importance of speaking out, standing up, and supporting one another, and I am committed to being a voice for change in my community and beyond. This is why I take immense pride in becoming a lawyer, I am driven by a desire to break the cycle of violence, to advocate for policies that protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable. There is just something so much more fulfilling, selfless and rewarding in helping others the way others have helped me rather than only serving myself. “It only takes one voice, at the right pitch, to start an avalanche.” ~Dianna Hardy