February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
Throughout February, organizations, and individuals nationwide are coming together to highlight the need to educate young people about dating violence, teach healthy relationship skills and prevent the devastating cycle of abuse. With their adult allies, youth activists achieved a major victory in 2005 and 2013 when the importance of addressing teen dating abuse was highlighted in the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. Both Chambers of Congress have declared the entire month of February to teen dating violence awareness and prevention.
Teen Dating Violence Overview
Teen dating violence, also known as intimate partner violence or intimate relationship violence, is a serious problem in the U.S., affecting approximately 10% of all teenagers between the age of 12 to 18. It includes stalking, harassment, physical or sexual abuse, or stalking of any person ages 12 to 18 in the context of a past or present romantic or consensual relationship.
This is an issue that impacts everyone – not just teens – but their parents, teachers, friends, and communities as well. Together, we can raise the nation’s awareness about teen dating violence and promote safe, healthy relationships.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Protection, teen DV has both serious short-term and long-term consequences. While healthy relationships tend to have a positive effect on emotional development and future relationships, abusive relationships often do the opposite. Dating violence victims are likely to experience suicidal thoughts, antisocial behaviors, depression, and anxiety, and engage in unhealthy behaviors such as alcohol and drug use.
Unfortunately, many cases go unreported because victims are afraid to tell their family and friends. If you are experiencing dating abuse, then please get help immediately. We include various resources to assist you. If, on the other hand, you have been accused of violence, you may face serious criminal charges and might need a criminal defense attorney to assist you.
What is the Impact of Teen Dating Violence?
Nationwide, youth aged 12 to 19 experience the highest rates of rape and sexual assault. Studies show that approximately 10% of adolescents report being the victim of physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner during the previous year. Girls are particularly vulnerable to experiencing violence in their relationships and are more likely to suffer long-term behavioral and health consequences, including suicide attempts, eating disorders, and drug use.
Adolescents in abusive relationships often carry these unhealthy patterns of violence into future relationships. Indeed, children who are victimized or witness violence frequently bring this experience with them to the playground, the classroom, later into teen relationships, and, ultimately, they can end up the victims and perpetrators of adult intimate partner violence.
Signs of Teen Dating Violence
Romantic relationships between teenagers are incredibly complicated. The undertaking of a relationship, very often, requires more maturity than most teens have developed. These relationships are more likely to be riddled with problems including communication, jealousy, and selflessness.
As a result, teenagers are more likely to be involved in relationships that are unhealthy, violent, and/or abusive. If you are a teenager involved in a romantic relationship it is important to understand the behaviors that may point to an unhealthy and/or abusive relationship.
Red Flags in Teenage Relationships
Unhealthy or abusive relationships take many forms, and there is not one specific behavior that causes a relationship to be categorized as such. However, there are certain behaviors that should be cause for concern. Behaviors that should raise a red flag include:
- Excessive jealousy or insecurity;
- Invasions of your privacy;
- Unexpected bouts of anger or rage;
- Unusual moodiness;
- Pressuring a partner into unwanted sexual activity;
- Blaming you for problems in the relationship and not taking any responsibility for the same;
- Controlling tendencies;
- Explosive temper;
- Preventing you from going out with or talking to other people;
- Constantly monitoring your whereabouts and checking in to see what you are doing and who you are with;
- Falsely accusing you of things;
- Vandalizing or ruining your personal property;
- Taunting or bullying; or
- Threatening or causing physical violence.
If your partner frequently engages in these behaviors it may be wise to speak with someone with whom you feel comfortable. Adults who have experience with relationships may be able to provide advice that can help you to determine if you are in any danger.
If You Think You Are in an Abusive Relationship
If your partner exhibits any of the behaviors outlined above, or if your partner has physically harmed you in any way, there are many things you can do. Trust your gut – if you think you are in danger or in an unhealthy relationship, you should end it. If you are afraid of confronting your partner or fearful of what they may say or do, there are numerous resources you can contact for help, guidance, or counseling. If you think you are in an abusive relationship, you should consider:
- Reaching out to a trusted friend, teacher, parent, or mentor;
- Spending more time with individuals with whom you are comfortable;
- Getting involved with activities you enjoy that will allow you to associate with positive people;
- Seek the guidance of a school counselor or therapist; or
- Calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233).
Studies have found that negative or abusive behaviors in unhealthy relationships are more likely to increase over time. Abuse escalates as the relationship progresses, and victims are more likely to sustain substantial injuries or harm. If you believe that you may be in an abusive or unhealthy relationship do not hesitate to ask for help. Teenage dating violence is more common than you know; you are not alone.
How To Participate in Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention
During Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month (TDVAM), we aim to break the cycle of violence by providing support and services to victims, their families, and their communities. The following activities represent just a few of the exciting ways that everyone can – and hopefully will – engage in this work:
- TeenDVmonth Toolkit – a brand new toolkit released by Break the Cycle just in time for TDVAM. The toolkit provides adult allies with resources to engage communities, especially youth, in a discussion about healthy relationships.
- What's Real Tool Kit – The Idaho Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence's Center for Healthy Teen Relationships' new toolkit has an array of resources for use year-round as well as during TDVAM. It includes a youth-led positive social marketing campaign; posters, stickers, bookmarks, and other materials to engage both youth and adult influencers; and reproducible materials you can use to engage youth online.
- Safety Planning Guide – a project of Break the Cycle and the National Dating Abuse Helpline. The interactive planning guide allows youth to create a personalized safety plan for work, school, home, and while out with a partner. It also provides tips, local resources, and a pocket-sized personalized safety checklist.
- That’s Not Cool Ambassador Program – the Ambassador Program is a unique opportunity for teens to raise awareness with friends, family, and the community at large. By completing monthly challenges, That’s Not Cool Ambassadors contribute their unique voices to this national initiative while helping to raise awareness about digital dating abuse in their schools and local communities. All teens and tweens across the country are invited to join this Futures Without Violence initiative.
- Preventing and Responding to Teen Dating Violence– this collection of materials including curricula, training tools, guide books, fact sheets, applied research papers, and model programs, emphasizes collaborative and multilevel approaches to the prevention of and response to teen dating violence. It includes information related to: 1) young people, 2) parents and care takers, 3) men and boys, 4) teachers and school-based professionals, 5) health care professionals, and 6) domestic violence and sexual violence service providers.
- Runaway & Homeless Youth and Relationship Violence Toolkit– this toolkit was developed by and for advocates, from the runaway and homeless youth and domestic violence and sexual assault fields, to help programs better address relationship violence among youth who have run away from home, are living on the streets or are homeless. Sections of the toolkit include key terms and definitions, research and resources, a look at each field, recommendations for building partnerships and services, sample materials, and help for teens in need. Check out this one-page fact sheet about the toolkit (PDF, 1 page).
If you know of a teen or parent that could benefit from speaking to a caring, well-trained peer advocate, please connect them with the National Dating Abuse Helpline, a project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, at 1-866-331-9474 (TTY: 1-866-331-8453), by texting "loveis" to 77054, or through live chat at loveisrespect.org.
For more information, please visit the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women (OVW).
Sources:
https://youth.gov/feature-article/teen-dating-violence-awareness-and-prevention-month