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?
Start talking about dating violence:
Break the Cycle and the Love is Not Abuse Campaign have been hosting It’s Time to Talk Day to generate conversations aimed at preventing dating violence and abuse.
Stay safe with the following apps:
Learn about the available resources:
There are many organizations that provide direct services to young people who experience dating violence, as well as information to adults who are concerned about young people. For a list of key organizations, click here.
For more information, read the following:
TeensHealth, Abusive Relationships
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Teen Dating Violence
DoSomething.org, 11 Facts About Teen Dating Violence
National Institute of Justice, Teen Dating Violence