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, 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.
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.
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.
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:
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 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:
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.
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:
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