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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
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SiletzNews
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