Teen Dating Violence

Here are some facts of dating violence.

¨ Violent relationships, according to one study, begin when teens are about 15-years-old and become involved in serious relationships.

¨ The victims of date violence are usually young women.

¨ A survey indicates that attitudes like, " He wouldn't hit me if he didn't love me," frequently operate in violent relationships among teenagers. Nearly 30 percent of those responding to this survey equated abuse with love.

¨ Teenagers who have been abused as children are more likely to become involved in an abusive dating relationship.

¨ Teenagers in abusive dating relationships rarely seek help. Approximately five percent of teens who are battered by their dating partners call the police.

¨ Studies show a relationship between rigid identification with traditional sex roles (i.e. men should be strong, aggressive and in control; women should be submissive and dependent) and involvement in a violent relationship.

· Warning Signs.

· She/he has unexplained bruises.

· She/he is moody, withdrawn or depressed.

· She/he's stopped seeing friends or has given up favorite activities.

· Her/his boyfriend/girlfriend uses alcohol or drugs.

· She/he has fallen behind in school.

· She/he is suddenly hostile and secretive.

· Her/his boyfriend/girlfriend is possessive and jealous of others, friends and family.

· Her/his boyfriend/girlfriend keeps tabs on her/him.

· She/he seems afraid of boyfriend/girlfriend and fears breaking up with him or her.

¨ What can you do if someone you care about is in an abusive relationship?

¨ Give them information