This is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness, Prevention Month

To The Eagle:

Dating abuse isn’t something anyone wants to talk about, but as long as we ignore it, the problem will never go away.

Did you know that:

• 1 in 3 teens will experience dating violence and 2/3 will never report it.

• 1 in 4 teens who have been in a serious relationship say that a boyfriend or girlfriend has tried to prevent them from spending time with friends or family; the same number have been pressured to only spend time with their partner.

• Half of teen girls who have experienced sexual pressure report they are afraid the relationship would end if they did not give in.

People (girls AND guys) can experience several different types of abuse which can include:

• Physical abuse – any intentional use of physical force meant to cause fear or injury.

• Emotional abuse – non-physical behavior such as threats, insults, humiliation, intimidation, isolation, or stalking.

• Sexual abuse – any action that forces unwanted sexual behavior by another person. This includes making you do anything you don’t want to do sexually, refusing to have safe sex, pressuring you to go further than you want to sexually.

Know the signs. Not sure if you or someone you know is in an unhealthy relationship? We can help. Call The Charlotte House, a program of St. James Family Center, at 360-795-6400 or 1-866-795-9381 to talk with an advocate.

If you are a parent of a teen and would like to gain valuable information on this subject, please consider attending our presentation of In Their Shoes, a scenario based activity that will help you understand issues your teen might be dealing with and how to help them. This will be held at St. James Family Center on February 25 at 6:30. Call 795-6401 for more information or to sign up.

All services are free and confidential.

Susan Schillios

The Charlotte House

Shelter Manager