Teen Dating Violence What Is Dating Violence? a Pattern of Hurtful Behaviors That One Partner Uses to Have Power and Control Over Their Dating Partner
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Teen Dating Violence What is Dating Violence? a pattern of hurtful behaviors that one partner uses to have power and control over their dating partner. Dating Violence can happen to any teen regardless of class, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious beliefs, etc. What Does Dating Violence Look Like? Teens and young adults experience the same types of abuse as adults, including: physical abuse, verbal and emotional abuse, sexual abuse, digital abuse, stalking, and financial abuse. How Prevalent is Teen Dating Violence? • Nearly 20.9% of female high school students and 13.4% of male high school students report being physically or sexually abuse by a dating partner. (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence) • A 2014 study found that 10% of teenage students in dating relationships were coerced into sexual intercourse in the previous year. (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence) • 57% of teens know someone who has been physically, sexually, or verbally abusive in a dating relationship. (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence) What are the Long-Term Impacts of Dating Violence? • 50% of youth reporting dating violence and rape also reported attempting suicide. This is compared to 12.5% of non-abused girls and 5.4% of non-abused boys. (Nat’l Coalition Against DV) • Violent relationships in adolescence can have serious consequences by putting the victims at higher risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual behavior and further domestic violence. (loveisrespect.com) Why do teenagers stay in abusive relationships? ● Love, Fear, Doubt, Embarrassment, Isolation from Friends and Family, Not Wanting Parents to Find Out, Peer Pressure, Thinking the Behavior is Normal, Wanting to Be Loved, Hope for Change, etc. What are the signs of an abusive partner? • Wants to move very quickly into the relationship • Seems “too good to be true” • Does not honor partner’s boundaries • Takes no responsibility for their behavior, alWays blames others or their partner • Excessively jealous • Wants to knoW Where their partner is at all times • Criticizes partner or puts them doWn What is Safety Planning? Safety planning is thinking and acting in a Way that increases one’s safety. Safety planning can be done Whether one chooses to stay in or leave an abusive relationship. How can you support a friend who is experiencing abuse? • Listen and believe them • Respect privacy and confidentiality • Respect the survivor’s choices • Encourage them to seek professional resources such as DAIS • Validate feelings What does it take to have a healthy relationship? • Freedom: Having a healthy relationship means giving each other the space and freedom to live your individual lives. • Fairness and Equality: One partner should not have more poWer and control than the other. Each person should be Willing to compromise and listen to the other person’s thoughts and needs. • Trust and Support: Being able to rely on your partner helps you feel safe and secure in the relationship. KnoWing that your partner has your back and best intentions at heart. You expect your partner to be honest and they don’t lie to you. • Communication: Communication is a major part of ALL relationships. Being able to express how you feel and taking time to listen to the other person is important and essential. Dishonestly and lying prevent you from having a healthy relationship. • Boundaries and Respect: Each person has a right to decide What they are okay With in a relationship. This includes physical touch, hoW often you talk to your partner, and Whether you share your social media passWords. You have the right to say to your partner What feels right for you. Where can you go for help? • Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) • For teen-specific resources: Love is Respect: 1-866-331-9474, chat at loveisrespect.org or text “loveis” to 22522, any time, 24/7/365. Find more at WWW.breakthecycle.org .