Be on the lookout for teen dating violence

To The Eagle:

February is the month where we see hearts, flowers, candy, and talk of true love, new love and hopes of love.

February is also nationally recognized as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. The Charlotte House works with the students of Wahkiakum School District in teaching them about healthy relationships, their rights in relationships, possible warning signs of an unhealthy relationship and where to go for help if they're not sure what to do when a relationship feels wrong.

Parents and caregivers of teens play the most important role in keeping them safe in dating relationships and there are three things you should know.

• One in three teens in a dating relationship have been verbally, emotionally, sexually or physically abused.

• One in two teens have compromised their values to please their partner.

• One in five teens in a dating relationship have been hit, slapped or pushed.

Dating violence is a pattern of controlling, abusive and/or aggressive behavior in a dating relationship.

Control isn't love, it's abuse. Abuse can mean many things and it's not always physical. When someone is controlling, possessive or extremely jealous it could be a sign of abuse and it could lead to physical violence.

If your teen is in a relationship that doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship or if you have any questions regarding this subject, please call The Charlotte House at 360-795-6400 or toll free at 866-795-9381. We have trained advocates on call 24 hours a day.

Susan Schillios

The Charlotte House