Teen Dating Violence Is Real
“Staying in a relationship that decreases your self worth will ultimately destroy you.” Simeaka Melton
Understanding Teen Dating Violence
One in five teen girls report some form of physical, emotional, or sexual violence from her boyfriend.
TEEN DATING VIOLENCE is a type of intimate partner violence. It occurs between two people in a close relationship. The nature of dating violence can be physical, emotional, or sexual.
UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS can start very early and can continue lifetime. Many teens too often think some behaviors, like teasing, taunting, controlling, force and name calling, are a “normal” part of relationships. However, these behaviors can develop into very serious forms of violence.
TEEN DATING VIOLENCE is a serious issue that has serious long-term and short-term effects. Teen dating violence may not be something that everybody talks about, but that doesn’t mean that it’s uncommon. It it very common for teens not to report it due to embarrassment and fear.
Staying in a relationship that decreases your self worth will ultimately destroy you. There is nothing to feel embarrassed, guilty or ashamed about. Don't suffer in silence get help. You deserve more.
Types Of Teen Dating Violence
EMOTIONAL / PSYCHOLOGICAL
Threatening a partner or harming his or her sense of self-worth. Examples include name calling, shaming, bullying, embarrassing on purpose, or keeping him/her away from friends and family. Minimizing or blaming a person for the abuse, intimidation and/or threats or destroying property.
PHYSICAL
Any use of force that causes pain or injury. When a partner is pinched, hit, shoved, slapped, punched, or kicked.
SEXUAL
This is forcing a partner to engage in a sex act when he or she does not or cannot consent. This can be physical or nonphysical, like threatening to spread rumors if a partner refuses to have sex. Including sexual harassment or manipulating a person into having sex by using guilt or threats.
STALKING
A pattern of harassing or threatening tactics that are unwanted and cause fear in the victim.
VERBAL
Constant criticism, threatening to hurt loved ones or harassment at school or in the workplace.
FINACIAL
Controlling a person’s income or financial assistance, misusing one’s credit or making it difficult for a person get or maintain a job.
TEEN DATING VIOLENCE can have a negative effect on health. Teens who are victims are more likely to experience symptoms of depression anger, confusion, anxiety and engage in unhealthy behaviors. Teens who are victims of dating violence in high school are at higher risk for victimization during college and even adulthood.
AN UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIP will often leave you feeling nervous, uncomfortable, said, afraid, guilty and bad about yourself. If the person you are in a relationship with harms you or forces you to things you do not want to do that is a clear indication of an unhealthy relationship. Take immediate steps to get professional help to support ending the relationship safely.
A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP will allow both partners to feel independent and supported, as well as connected to one another. In addition to love there are four key components of a healthy relationship. Respect, communication, kindness and boundaries. Ultimately, the two people in the relationship decide what’s healthy for their relationship and what is not. Remember you have freedom to discuss your relationship with your partner, even if something does not feel quite right or if something makes you uncomfortable.
Set clear boundaries and expectations of the healthy relationship you deserve.
HELP | QUESTIONS | INFORMATION:
1-800-799-(SAFE) 7233 | 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) 24/7/365 days a year
If you, your friend, or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, there resources available for help.
The following resources provide information for teens dealing with teen dating violence:
National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline http://www.loveisrespect.org
Change In Action
http://www.changenaction.org
Dear Girls Academy, Inc.
http://www.deargirlsacademy.org
Statics - https://www.cdc.gov
