Awareness being raised about teen dating violence

According to the United States Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women, 20 percent of teenage girls and young women have experienced some form of dating violence. Female victims of teen dating violence are also at greater risk for many other issues such as substance abuse, sexual activity, pregnancy, and suicide.

The seriousness of dating violence among teens will be observed this year during the week of February 4-8 for the third National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week.

Teen dating violence include physical abuse as well as sexual, verbal and emotional abuse. The potential for violent behavior in an abusive relationship often escalates as the relationship becomes more serious. Victims may remain in abusive relationships for many reasons, including fear of the perpetrator, self-blame, loyalty, and love for the perpetrator, social stigma, or lack of understanding.

Teen dating violence crosses all gender, racial and socioeconomic lines. Although the dynamics are similar to those for adult domestic violence, teens generally have less experience with relationships, so may be less likely to recognize abuse. Some signs of abuse, such as jealousy or possessiveness may be confused as signs of love.

• One in three female teens in a dating relationship report having feared for their safety.

• 30 percent of teens in a dating relationship have been text-messaged 10,20 or 30 times an hour by a partner finding out where they are, what they are doing and who they are with.

• One in five teens in a serious relationship report having been hit, slapped or pushed by a partner.

• One in four girls in a relationship report having been pressured to go further sexually than they really wanted.

For more information on this topic or to speak with an advocate, call The Charlotte House at 795-6401 or toll free at 1-866-795-9381. All services are free and confidential.