Love should not hurt. A healthy relationship includes support, feeling safe, the ability to share your feelings without judgement and ridicule, and respect. Teenagers should know the signs of abuse before it happens. A symbol of teen dating violence is orange, that represents solidarity with young people alongside supporting healthy relationships. Make sure to help a friend by not blaming them, listening to them, going with them to get help, and talking with a trusted adult to get help.
have a safety plan
- Turn the location off of your cell phone
- Let someone that you trust know your whereabouts
- Avoid going to isolated locations
- Alert dorm security if available
- Avoid locations where the abuser, their family and friends go to
- Look into creating a protective order
- Take self-defense classes
- Call 911 when necessary
what you should know
red flags
- Excessive jealousy or insecurities
- Invasion of your privacy
- Calling or texting non-stop
- Unusual moodiness
- Pressuring a partner into unwanted sexual activity
- Blaming you for problems
- Controls where you go and who you see
- Explosive temper
- Preventing you from going out
- Constantly monitering your whereabouts
- Falsely accusing you of things
- Vandalizing your personal property
- Taunting or bullying
- Threatening or causing physical violence
Statistics
- Nearly 1.5 million high school students experience dating violence
- Only 33% of teens tell of the abuse they receive.
- 81% of parents believe teen dating violence is not an issue
- Young people aged 12 to 19 experience the highest rates - of rape and sexual assault.
- Teenagers age 18 and 19 experience the highest rates of stalking.
- Approximately 1 in 3 adolescent girls in the U.S is a victim of physical, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner.
RESOURCES
Call 866-331-9474
