Articles

MONDAY, OCTOBER 8:  Domestic Violence and Teens

BE INFORMED:  Teens today need help learning to navigate dating relationships.  Unfortunately, many teens are in dating relationships which are not safe and healthy.  According to Love is Respect,
     One in three adolescents in the U.S. is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner, a figure that far exceeds rates of other types of youth violence.
     One in 10 high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend.
     One quarter of high school girls have been victims of physical or sexual abuse.
Even among middle schoolers aged 11-14, recent research has found that nearly one in six (15%) report being a victim of physical dating violence.

“Rather than repairing the damage later on, parents/caregivers, teachers and communities can help equip young people to develop healthy relationships throughout their life.” ~ Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 2012.

There are many ways that parents, educators, coaches, and other concerned adults can build young people’s knowledge and skills for engaging in healthy relationships – and access to support and intervention resources when needed.

TAKE ACTION: For parents of teens, check out some great resources to help you talk with your child about healthy relationships and teen dating violence.

If you work with Teens, watch this training video to get better informed about Teen Dating Violence and how to help teens be safe in their relationships.  

Teachers, build healthy relationship information into your curriculum!  You can, for example, incorporate it into literature lessons, or find a curriculum that meets the needs of your student population and community.

Coaches, you know you're important role models for your young athletes!  Learn how to incorporate healthy relationship information in your coaching!  

Everyone, please spread the word about the National Dating Violence Helpline! Online support is available at www.loveisrespect.org  through the live chat feature, or by texting 'loveis' directly to 77054 to begin a text chat with an advocate. They can also be reached by calling 1-866-331-9474 or TTY 1-866-331-8453.