Teen Dating Violence & Children

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 of dating violence:

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She/he is moody, withdrawn or depressed.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?