When you think of teens and dating, domestic violence is probably not where your mind goes. However youth.gov states that, youth age 12 to 19 have the highest rates of rape and sexual assault nationwide. Teen dating violence is defined as controlling, abusive, and aggressive behavior in a romantic relationship. But, it is so much more. There is no age restriction on relationship violence and abuse. There is no gender, race, economic restrictions on relationship violence and abuse. It can vary in frequency and severity, ranging from one violent episode to chronic and severe episodes over time.
February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month (TDVAM). Teen dating violence is more common than people think. 1 in 3 teens experience some form of abuse before adulthood (loveisrespect.org), yet it is rarely talked about. Alarmingly, only about one-third of teens ever tell anyone about their abuse. With these stats, I scream to the world, “all young people deserve to be safe and to learn how to build relationships free from violence.”
We have a responsibility to identify unhealthy relationships within our youth population. We (parents, grandparents, educators, medical and mental health professionals, society as a whole…) can play a role in prevention by learning the warning signs. It’s time to act and to work towards a solution to ending teen dating violence; to educate, empower and encourage our youth. Let’s keep violence out of teen dating relationships. NOW is the perfect time to start conversations about healthy relationships with the youth in your life.
Abuse is never the victims’ fault. Talk to your sons. Talk to your daughters. Show up with compassion and respect. Don’t be afraid to have uncomfortable conversations. Promote an understanding of healthy vs. unhealthy relationships. You have the power to end teen dating violence. For more information, check out these organizations and tools to build awareness:
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month