TEEN DATING VIOLENCE – IT’S NOT ALWAYS VIOLENT
SO WHAT IS IT?
If the person you’re dating shows a pattern of controlling or abusive behavior toward you, that’s dating violence. Teen dating violence can include any type of abuse: physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional. It doesn’t always include physical violence. Dating abuse can happen to anyone in any relationship – starting as early as age 11!
BUT I WOULD KNOW IF IT WAS HAPPENING TO ME…
The warning signs of teen dating violence are easily missed. Many people don’t know what to look for, so they overlook red flags within their own relationship. Most signs of dating violence are subtle changes in feelings and behaviors over the length of the relationship.
Do you:
– Feel afraid of your boyfriend/girlfriend?
– Feel pressured to be more committed or sexually active?
– Feel constantly put down by your significant other?
– Feel less close to your old friends or family?
– Ask permission from your partner to go somewhere?
– Dress or style yourself differently because they tell you to?
– Constantly need to check in with your boyfriend or girlfriend?
If any of these describe you, you might be in a controlling relationship.
OK, SO WHAT IF IT IS HAPPENING TO ME? WHAT DO I DO?
Talk about what’s going on with anyone who will listen without judging. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to a parent or teacher, try the free mobile app! Download the td411 app from the Apple AppStore or Google Play to text for help when it works for you.
You can always call our help line too! Our counselors are here to listen, answer your questions, and help you decide what’s best for your unique situation – even if you’re not sure whether you or a friend are in a controlling relationship.
Our help line number is: 1-888-774-2900
THE BOTTOM LINE…
If you don’t feel free to be yourself around your bae, that’s a sign of an unhealthy relationship. Dating violence is really about control – someone who truly loves you won’t want to control you.
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Why Women Stay: It’s Complicated
In light of the Ray Rice case and the Why I Stayed hashtag that is sparking a nationwide conversation about the complications of domestic abuse and the actions of the person being abused, we recommend reading the attached NYTimes story and viewing the attached TED talk.
If you want to talk about this issue, please call our Helpline at 888-774-2900. We have trained counselors to talk to and your conversation will remain confidential. The number is toll-free.
Seeing Abuse, and a Pattern Too Familiar
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