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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 1, 2013)
For more information about the Siletz Tribe, please visit ctsi.nsn.us. Teen Dating Violence (DV) Prevention and Awareness Month is a national effort to raise awareness about abuse in teen and 20-something relationships and promote programs that prevent it during the month of February. F A C T S Too Common Nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a single year. One in three adolescents in the U.S. is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner, a figure that far exceeds rates of other types of youth violence. One in 10 high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend. One quarter of high school girls have been victims of physical or sexual abuse. Why Focus on Young People? Girls and young women between the ages of 16 and 24 experience the highest rate of intimate partner violence -- almost triple the national average. Violent behavior typically begins between the ages of 12 and 18. The severity of intimate partner violence is often greater in cases where the pattern of abuse was established in adolescence. Ten Warning Signs of Abuse While there are many warning signs of abuse, here are ten of the most common abusive behaviors: Checking your cell phone or email without permission Constantly putting you down Extreme jealousy or insecurity Explosive temper Isolating you from family or friends Making false accusations Mood swings Physically hurting you in any way Possessiveness TIPS FOR PARENTS! About 72% of eighth and ninth graders are “dating". Lack of Awareness Only 33% of teens who were in a violent relationship ever told anyone about the abuse. Eighty one percent of parents believe teen dating violence is not an issue or admit they don’t know if it’s an issue. A teen’s confusion about the law and their desire for confidentiality are two of the most significant barriers stopping young victims of abuse from seeking help. Resources TIP: It is never too early to teach self-respect. No one has the right to tell your teenager who to see, what to do, or what to wear. No one has the right to hit or control anyone else. TIP: Give your teenager a chance to talk. Listen quietly to the whole story. TIP: If you suspect that your teenager is already involved with an abusive partner, tell your teenager that you are there to help, not to judge. If your teenager does not want to talk with you, help your teenager find another trusted person to talk with. TIP: Focus on your child; do not put down the abusive partner. Point out how unhappy your teenager seems to be while with this person. TIP: If your teenager tries to break up with an abusive partner, advise that the break be definite and final. Support your teenager’s decision and be ready to help. Get advice from teen dating violence prevention hotlines or teen counselors how to support your child through a relationship break up. February 2013 • SiletzNews • 7
