Valentine's Day is right around the corner... and Weston leaders want to make sure teens celebrate love in a healthy way.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

Since 2000 in Marathon County there's been an increase in domestic violence incidents.

According to the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 5 female high school students has been physically or sexually abused by their partner.

The Everest Metro Police Chief Wally Sparks says disturbing numbers like that prompted them to create the Everest Men Respect Campaign.

Their goal is to use good role models from the community to teach teens how to have healthy relationships.

"Here in Everest Metro we've had a history of some domestic violence homicides. In fact, we had a domestic shooting earlier this year that could have been another domestic homicide. This issue is on going and kids need to understand."

They bringing in a nationally recognized speaker to to help teens recognize the signs of an unhealthy relationship.

On Thursday Ben Zeman will be bringing his message of respect to high school students at D.C. Everest and Wausau East High Schools.

Chief Sparks describes Zeman's performance as a colorful cast of characters brought together to teach valuable life lessons.

For more information on Zeman's one act play "Voices of Men click on the link below.

For a list of some of the warning signs of an abusive relationship click on the link below.