Teen Dating Violence

Here are the facts:

  • Every year, approximately 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner.

  • 1 in 3 teens experience sexual or physical abuse or threats from a boyfriend or girlfriend in one year.

  • 1 in 5 women are survivors of rape.

  • 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men were sexually abused before the age of 18.

  • 3 in 4 parents have never talked to their children about domestic violence.

Some signs of an abusive relationship:

  • Exerting strict control (financial, social and/or appearance).

  • Needing constant contact including excessive texts and calls.

  • Emotional abuse including insulting a partner in front of other people.

  • Extreme jealousy.

  • Showing fear around a partner.

  • Isolation from family and friends.

  • Frequent canceling of plans at the last minute.

  • Unexplained injuries or explanations that don’t quite add up.

Sexual assault can take the form of:

  • Rape

  • Incest

  • Child Sexual Abuse/Molestation

  • Oral sex

  • Harassment

  • Exposing/flashing

  • Forcing a person to pose for sexual pictures

  • Fondling or unwanted sexual touching above and under clothing

  • Force which may include but is not limited to:

    • Use or display of a weapon

    • Physical battering

    • Immobilization of the victim

So what can you do?

 

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