As we wrap up Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, we want to take a moment to revisit what teen dating violence is — and why these conversations matter.
Teen dating violence affects more young people than many of us realize. Some studies show that up to 50 percent of teens experience some form of violence in a dating relationship before they graduate high school.
So, what exactly does teen dating violence look like?
Dating violence isn’t limited to physical harm. It can also include emotional, verbal and digital abuse. In fact, emotional and psychological abuse are the most commonly reported forms. While an isolated incident may not necessarily qualify as abuse, a repeated pattern of behavior that creates fear, control or intimidation does.
Emotional abuse involves behaviors meant to undermine a person’s confidence and autonomy. This can include insults, humiliation or actions that instill fear in order to gain control.
Common signs of emotional abuse may include:
• Isolating someone from family or friends.
• Regular ridicule disguised as “teasing.”
• Refusing to allow a person time alone.
• Instilling self-doubt or feelings of worthlessness.
• Gasligting.
Digital abuse is the next most common form of teen dating violence — and, in today’s connected world, this is not surprising. Digital abuse occurs when someone uses technology to monitor, stalk, harass, threaten, control or impersonate another person. This can include forcing someone to share their location, cyberstalking, sharing private information or images, or creating fake accounts to gain access to someone.
Signs of digital abuse may include:
• Using multiple apps to constantly track someone.
• Stealing or forcing access to phones or apps.
• Excessive texting or calling, with anger when responses aren’t immediate.
• Telling someone who they can and cannot be friends with.
One of the most alarming statistics related to teen dating violence is that nearly 80 percent of parents do not believe teen dating violence exists.
While we don’t want to alarm families, we do encourage anyone with a teen in their life to start these conversations. Talk with teens even if they are not currently in a relationship. Discuss what healthy relationships look like, and remind them that they deserve respect, safety and trust.
Rise would like to thank our community for coming together to support teens and help create a safer, healthier future for young people in our area.
Support is just a phone call away. If you need help with a violent relationship, or advice on talking to a teen or friend, Rise Above Violence is here for you. We are available 24/7. Call our hotline at (970) 264-9075.
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