- 1 in 3 teenagers report knowing a friend or peer who has been hit, punched, kicked, slapped, choked or physically hurt by their partner.
- 1 in 11 adolescents reported being a victim of physical dating violence.
- 1 in 5 teens that have been in a serious relationship report being hit, slapped, or pushed by a partner.
- 1 in 4 adolescents reports verbal, physical, emotional or sexual abuse.
- About 10% of students nationwide report being physically hurt by a boyfriend/girlfriend in the past 12 months.
Types of Dating Violence:
Abuse can also be verbal, emotional, and physical. Even if your partner is charming and sweet at first, things can change and they can change fast. The nature of dating violence can be physical, emotional or sexual.
- Physical — When a partner is hit, shoved, kicked or physically assaulted in any manner.
- Emotional — Threatening a partner or harming his/her sense of self-worth. Examples include name calling, shaming, bullying, embarrassing on purpose or keeping him/her away from friends and family.
- Sexual — This is forcing a partner to engage in a sex act when the partner does not or cannot consent.
Know the Warning Signs:
- Isolation from friends and family
- Angry outbursts
- Projection of anger onto others
- Threats of violence
- Violent behavior towards animals or others
- Controlling behavior
Things to know as a parent:
- Reiterate to your children to avoid drugs and alcohol Drugs and alcohol compromise one’s ability to make smart decisions and to escape dangerous situations. While under the influence, someone may take risks they wouldn’t usually take with their body, car and general safety in general. Keep an eye on your glass at all times! Many teens are sexually assaulted after someone slips a powerful sedative drug into whatever they’re drinking. Resisting the urge to drink is the best way to prevent being assaulted and(or) raped.
- Set a Curfew Know the curfew is in your town and set a time that your family is comfortable with.
- Recap on the Sex Talk Make sure you’ve had “the talk” with your teen. Even if you’ve had the talk, have a recap and let them know of your expectations, S.T.D’s, and the consequences of underage sex.
- “NO means NO” It is important to teach your children (both sexes) what “NO” really means and the consequences if it isn’t honored.
- Have an Exit Plan If your child is out on a date and things aren’t going right or they are not comfortable, be sure you have a plan in place to get them out quickly and without confrontation. If you don’t have a plan, develop one beforehand.
Dating Bill of Rights:
You have the RIGHT to:
- Refuse a date
- Refuse affection or sexual advances at any time and under any circumstances
- Be physically and emotionally safe
- Ask for emotional support
- Be treated with respect
- Refuse to do anything uncomfortable
- Have a life and friends outside of the relationship
- Have money or property not controlled by your partner
- Have thoughts or feelings that are different from your partner
- Live without fear of your partner
- Leave the relationship at any time