North Central Health District

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Posted February 17, 2014 by NCHD Admin

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month. Dating violence is when one person in a relationship intentionally hurts, scares, or threatens the other person through physical, mental or sexual abuse. Controlling or demanding behavior usually precedes the actual violence. Four in 10 teenagers, male & female, have experienced physical or sexual dating violence. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), of all females who have ever been raped, physically abused, or stalked by an intimate partner, almost 70 percent first had those experiences before age 25. And, of all rape victims, about 40 percent reported that they were first raped before age 18.

 

 

 

Warning Signs of Abusive Unhealthy Relationships:

• Always texting or calling to know your whereabouts or who you’re with
• Insulting you by calling you degrading names, like stupid, ugly,
• Uncontrolled anger/temper, i.e. yelling, hitting walls, throwing things
• Isolating you from friends & family
• Telling you how to dress or act
• Pushing or shoving
• Threatening to hurt you or themselves if you break up with them
• Stalking

Violence is related to certain Risk Factors. Risks of having unhealthy relationships increase for teens who:

• Believe it’s okay to use threats or violence to get their way or to express frustration or anger.
• Use alcohol or drugs.
• Can’t manage anger or frustration.
• Hang out with violent peers.
• Have multiple sexual partners.
• Have a friend involved in dating violence.
• Are depressed or anxious.
• Have learning difficulties and other problems at school.
• Don’t have parental supervision and support.
• Witness violence at home or in the community.
• Have a history of aggressive behavior or bullying.