Teen dating violence: A real issue

Victimization from physical and psychological abuse in teen dating relationships is high. About one in 10 teens who have been on a date have also been physically abused by a boyfriend or girlfriend in the last year.

Local survey results gathered from 387 teens over the last four years indicate that 76 percent of teens said they had experienced emotional abuse by a dating partner, 45 precent said they had experienced physical abuse by a dating partner and 19 percent said they had experienced sexual assault or rape by a dating partner.

A lot of dating violence focus is on adult relationships, but the most common age that dating violence occurs is 18-24 years and the next most common age is 11-17 years old.

Family Support Services wants you to know that there is a lot you can do as a parent to prevent teen dating violence and abuse. By keeping the lines of communication open, you can help keep your loved ones safe and healthy. Take these steps to make a difference:

• Be a role model – treat your kids and others with respect.

• Start talking to your kids about healthy relationships early – before they start dating.

• Get involved with efforts to prevent dating violence at your teen’s school.

• If you are worried about your teen, call Family Support Services for information at 653-4820.

You may be involved with a violent person if you are dating someone who:

• has an explosive temper,

• is very jealous,

• must be in control of your life,

• blames others for their problems,

• will not accept no as an answer,

• forbids you to talk to your friends,

• threatens to hurt you or themselves if you break up,

• makes all the decisions in the relationship,

• calls you insulting and embarrassing names,

• criticizes you what you wear and say and how you act,

• destroys your personal belongings,

• hits you and promises that it will never happen again…and then it does.

Warning signs that a teen is in an abusive relationship:

• Changes in mood or behavior,

• Secrets and lies,

• Physical injuries,

• Appears concerned about making her partner angry,

• Changes in style of clothing or makeup.

Safety Plan

• Carry phone numbers of people you can call in case of an emergency.

• Let people know your schedule.

• Change your route to school.

• Use the buddy system to and from school and to and from class.

• Keep a detailed journal of the abuse.

• Talk to parents, other adults, people at school (teachers, social workers, etc.) and friends you can trust.

• Change cell phone number.

• Be alone as little as possible.

• Talk to an Advocate at Family Support Services at 765-653-4820 & press 1, call the Love is Respect Hotline at 1-866-331-9474 or text LOVEIS to 22522

Family Support Services of West Central Indiana is headquartered in Greencastle and serves Putnam, Owen, Clay, Parke, Montgomery and Boone Counties. FSSWCI is a 501(c)3 non-profit domestic violence and sexual assault prevention and intervention organization, Healthy Families program provider focused on eliminating child abuse and neglect while building strong families, and addiction recovery support advocate. For more information about programs or services call 653-4820 or visit www.fsswci.net.