Teen Dating Violence
Love is Respect.
Nearly 1.5 Million
high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a single year.
1 in 3
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.
1 in 10
high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend.
GOH knows the importance of early prevention on teen dating violence issue, therefore, counselors work closely with local schools and community organizations for public education about how to establish healthy relationships. GOH aspires to empower more and more young people to speak for their own body and protect their own rights anytime regardless of race, immigration status and cultural backgrounds.
What is Teen Dating Violence?
Unhealthy relationships can start early and last a lifetime. Teens often think some behaviors, like teasing and name calling, are a “normal” part of a relationship. However, these behaviors can become abusive and develop into more serious forms of violence.
Examples of dating violence include physical, sexual, psychological or emotional violence, as well as stalking. Dating violence can occur between current or former dating partners, in person or electronically. Dating violence can take place in person or electronically, such as repeated texting or posting sexual pictures of a partner online.
Many teens do not report it because they are afraid to tell friends and family. Teen who are victims are more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety, engage in unhealthy behaviors, like using tobacco, drugs, and alcohol, or exhibit antisocial behaviors and think about suicide. Teen who are victims of dating violence in high school are at higher risk for victimization during college.
Warning Signs of Dating Violence
- Checking cell phones, emails or social networks without permission
- Extreme jealousy or insecurity
- Constant belittling or put-downs
- Explosive temper
- Isolation from family and friends
- Making false accusations
- Erratic mood swings
- Physically inflicting pain or hurt in any way
- Possessiveness
- Telling someone what to do
- Repeatedly pressuring someone to have sex
Get Help
Becoming a victim of dating violence is not your fault. Nothing you say, wear, or do gives anyone the right to hurt you.
If you think you are in an abusive relationship, get help immediately. Don’t keep your concerns to yourself.
Talk to someone you trust, such as a parent, teacher, school principal, counselor, or nurse. If you choose to tell someone, you should know that some adults are mandated reporters. This means they are legally required to report neglect or abuse to a third party, such as the police or child protective services. You can ask people if they are mandated reporters and then decide what you want to do. Some examples of mandated reporters are teachers, counselors, doctors, social workers, and in some cases, coaches or activity leaders. If you need help deciding whom to talk to, call a crisis line in your area. You might also want to talk to a trusted family member, a friend’s parent, an adult neighbor or friend, an older sibling or cousin, or other experienced person who you trust.
