Teen Dating Violence - Awareness and Prevention

  • Published
  • By 436th Medical Group
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Nearly 1 in 10 high school students will experience physical dating violence and even more will experience emotional and verbal abuse.

Dating relationships often do not start out violent; the violence occurs after the couple has known each other for a while. Teens that have little dating experience may not be sure of what to do next when a dating relationship becomes violent or abusive. They may be afraid to tell a parent, assuming the parents will make them "break up".

Some warning signs that the dating relationship is "crossing the line" from healthy to unhealthy:
· 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
· Telling you what to do
(Ref - www.loveisrespect.org)

Talking with our teens about healthy and unhealthy relationships is a great way to segue into a conversation about dating violence. While talking with your teen, ask some questions. What do they consider "dating?" What sort of relationships do they want with their friends, their girlfriend or boyfriend? How do you see your role in the dating relationship? How do they control their anger, manage conflict? How would they stand up for themselves?

Your teen may not know how to speak up and set boundaries in the relationship for fear of losing their boyfriend or girlfriend, and thinking any relationship is better than none. For teens dating is often a status symbol.

Let your teen know they can talk to you if they should ever feel their dating relationship is violent or they fear for their safety. They may need your help to get out of an abusive relationship. Take it seriously, offer non-judgmental support, and develop a safety plan. Seek professional help, legal advice if needed. Reinforce the fact that your teen has a right to be treated with respect and not be harmed physically or emotionally by their dating partner.

Parents are the first teachers for their children on relationships. Healthy relationships are those where you are loved and treated well by someone you care about. Encourage your teen to make wise dating choices and not be afraid to ask for help when needed.

Family Advocacy Program has displays and information on Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness available at the following locations during the month of February: Medical Group, building 300 in the main lobby, Fitness Center, and Youth Center.


Additional Resources
Family Advocacy Program: Dover AFB: 302-677-2711
Choose Respect Initiative: www.chooserespect.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
National Sexual Violence Resource Center: www.nsvrc.org
National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: 1-866-331-9474 | 1-866-331-8453 TTY | www.loveisrespect.org
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV): www.ncadv.org
CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Division of Adolescent & School Health: www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/injury/index.htm