The Ugly Truth About Teen Dating Violence
TEEN DATING VIOLENCE may not be something that everybody talks about, but that doesn’t mean that it’s uncommon.
Healthy relationships 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. Do not be silent. Set clear boundaries and expectations of the healthy relationship you deserve.
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.
Staying in a relationship that decreases your self worth will ultimately destroy you. There is nothing to feel embarrassed and guilty about so do not be silent get help. You deserve more.
You deserve a healthy relationship!
DEAR GIRLS,
Love is kindness, love is fun, and love is necessary. Love is also safe, respectful and healthy. If your relationship is not safe, respectful or healthy your love for the other person is not reason enough to stay in a relationship. Do not be fooled by charm or cuteness. Everyone deserves love. Set clear boundaries of respect and have the healthy relationship you deserve.
Although no two relationships are alike, all healthy relationships must have respect, kindness and laughter. Staying in a relationship that decreases your self worth will ultimately destroy you. Do not hide in shame or silence. Get professional help because you deserve a healthy relationship.
Love,
Miss Meaka
THINK ABOUT THIS:
1 in 4 teens who have been in a serious relationship say that a boyfriend or girlfriend has tried to prevent them from spending time with friends or family; the same number have been pressured to only
spend time with their partner.
1 in 5 high school girls report being intentionally hit, slapped or punched by their boyfriend or girlfriend.
Nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from their dating partner in a single year.
Types of Teen Dating and Domestic Violence
Physical.
Any use of force that causes pain or injury, such as hitting, kicking or slapping.
Sexual.
Abuse can include sexual harassment, sexual assault or manipulating a person into having sex by using guilt or threats.
Financial.
Controlling a person’s income or financial assistance, misusing one’s credit or making it difficult for a person get or maintain a job.
Emotional / Verbal.
Constant criticism, threatening to hurt loved ones or harassment at school or in the workplace.
Psychological.
Minimizing or blaming a person for the abuse, intimidation and/or threats or destroying property.
Teen Dating and Domestic Violence Red Flags
Hits, chokes, slaps, shoves or forces sexual acts
Prevents or controls contact and communication with friends and family
Controls money and important identification
Causes embarrassment with bad names and put-downs
Critical about appearance or behavior
Plays mind games to place blame on the survivor
Shoves, slaps, chokes, hits or forces sexual acts
Has frequent and unrealistic expectations of partner
Threatens to commit suicide
Property destruction or pet abuse
Intimidates with weapons
Monitor computer, cell phone use or social media use
Blaming you for their outrage
A safety plan is a personalized plan that can help you avoid dangerous situations. If you’re experiencing unsafe situation, abuse, you have a safety plan in place.
RESOURCES:
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 relationship violence:
The National Domestic Violence Hotline | 24/7 Confidential Support
www.thehotline.org 1-800-799-(SAFE) 7233 | 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) 24/7/365 days a year
National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline http://www.loveisrespect.org
http://www.DearGirlsAcademy.org
Change In Action
http://www.changeinaction.org
