Teen Dating Violence Awareness And Prevention Month
National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month occurs every February in the United States to highlight the critical issue of teen dating violence, raise public awareness of domestic violence, and educate young adults about prevention strategies.
National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month has been observed in the United States since 2010, starting in 2006 as "National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week." The increased visibility generated by dating and family violence prevention efforts serves a critical role in facilitating essential conversations between parents, educators, and adolescents about intimate partner violence awareness and prevention.
Prevalence
If you are experiencing dating abuse or have experienced sexual assault, note that the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) has a hotline dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing sexual assault, harassment, or intimate partner violence. You can contact them anytime by calling 800-656-HOPE (4673) or using the online chat.
Teen dating violence prevention initiatives began in the mid-2000s, and since their foundation, researchers have regularly conducted research into its prevalence. Per their most recent survey, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one in 12 high school students has experienced physical dating violence in the preceding year, and another one in 12 reports themselves as a survivor of physical violence or sexual violence.
Further research shows that, in adolescent relationships, violence is often perpetrated by both partners. One survey found that 51% of girls and 43% of boys reported being survivors of dating violence, while half of the girls and more than a third of the boys reported having perpetrated it. Certain groups seem to be at a greater risk of sexual violence, including women, LGBTQ+ youth, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders.
Signs in relationships
Those who experience dating violence may not always be forthcoming about the abuse they are experiencing, so it can be crucial for parents, educators, caregivers, and teens to be aware of what dating abuse can look like. Below are a few signs to look for:
Physical signs of abuse: Physical signs may include unexplained bruises, scratches, or other injuries. To hide these marks, a teen might wear clothing inappropriate for the season, like long sleeves in summer.
Changes in behavior or personality: Those in abusive relationships may not seem like their usual self. Stress, poor mental health, secrecy, evasiveness, and withdrawal are some common indicators of abuse. However, these signs can also indicate a mental illness.
Domineering partner: Abusers may monitor the survivor’s whereabouts, dictate their behavior, and demand constant communication.
Prevention
Parents, caregivers, educators, and students can play a crucial role in teen dating violence prevention. To raise awareness of what dating violence might look like, adults can educate teens about the characteristics of a healthy relationship, consent, and boundaries, even modeling these positive actions in their daily interactions.
Among their peers, teens can foster a culture of respect, challenging and rejecting harmful behaviors that might contribute to unhealthy relationships. Below are a few steps to prevent this type of violence in teen relationships.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers valuable resources, including the Love Is Respect Action Guide. This guide, updated annually, provides educational materials specifically designed to support and educate teens on healthy relationships and domestic violence awareness. Social media can also be a place to find education and support.
Educate about healthy and unhealthy relationships
As teens are often beginning to explore the complicated dynamics that underpin dating, sex, and relationships, it can be crucial to talk to them about what healthy relationships look like. For example, parents may start healthy conversations related to consent, communication, respect, and boundaries, as well as how to recognize coercion, manipulation, abuse, and other unhealthy relationship behaviors. Getting on the same page regarding healthy behaviors can help young adults express their emotions and ask questions in a safe environment.
Encourage open communication
Teens may believe they are ready to handle challenging situations without the advice or intervention of adults. Independence can sometimes be a healthy step toward adulthood. However, it can be an essential aspect of development for adolescents to have adult allies whom teens can turn for help.
Parents, caregivers, teachers, school counselors, or other school-based professionals, and other trustworthy adults can foster a culture of open communication that encourages teens to discuss their experiences without fear of judgment or punishment.
Model and teach consent
Learning about consent from an early age can be crucial for preventing teen dating violence. Adults can model consent in their interactions with adolescents by asking for a hug or permission before borrowing their belongings. This practice may instill the idea of personal space.
Encourage positive peer influences
While it may not be possible to control the specific situations that teens might find themselves in as they become more independent, adults can encourage involvement in positive, healthy activities and peer groups. Sports, arts, volunteer organizations, faith communities, and other extracurriculars can offer spaces for young people to develop social skills, self-esteem, and independence.
How to support them
If a teen in your life is in an unhealthy relationship or has had a traumatic experience, it may be worth considering the following tips for supporting them:
Listen without judgment: Create a safe space for the teen to discuss their experience. Try to avoid interrupting or immediately offering solutions.
Validate their feelings and experiences: Help them understand that their feelings and experiences are valid and may not necessarily represent a failing or shortcoming on their part.
Ensure their safety: Ensure those involved are safe. For example, you may have to take immediate action if there is a threat, such as removing them from a dangerous environment, identifying any additional mental health challenges such as eating disorders or self-harm, or contacting authorities.
Involve professionals: Depending on the nature of the situation, it may be important to contact law enforcement, school officials, social services, healthcare providers, or other healthcare professionals.
If you are the parent of a teen in an abusive relationship, ensure you educate them about the signs of abuse, show them the difference between healthy versus unhealthy relationships, as well as remind them that what they’re experiencing is harmful to their mental or physical health.
If you are working with runaway and homeless youth who experience dating violence, it can be crucial to help them find safe resources, such as school programs, community resources, and legal support. In some cases, they may even benefit from participating in social media events online to meet people who have had similar experiences.
If you’re a minor who has run away from home for any reason, consider calling the National Runaway Safeline for support. You can reach them at 800-RUNAWAY or use their online chat.
Mental health support for adolescents and parents
For teens learning to cope with the complexities of relationships, mental health support via sexual violence service providers, mental health advocates, or a therapist may be an invaluable source of guidance. Therapists specializing in treating young people typically have a profound understanding of adolescents' emotional needs.
For those who have experienced an unhealthy relationship or traumatic event, mental health support may have a critical role in helping them heal, grow, and learn from their experience. Research from 2008 has found that both individual and group cognitive-behavioral therapy is an effective way to mitigate the psychological harm that can stem from traumatic experiences.
If you or your teen face barriers to in-person therapy, it may be beneficial to consider online therapy. Online therapy platforms like TeenCounseling for teens aged 13 to 19 or BetterHelp for adults offer a way to attend weekly therapy with a licensed therapist or counselor specializing in adolescent therapy or parenting concerns.
Online therapy has been proven as effective as in-person therapy and may be preferable for students who need to be able to schedule appointments on evenings as well as weekends. Adolescents may also benefit from asynchronous in-app messaging with their therapist, optional group sessions, and interactive journaling.
Takeaway
Learning to navigate relationships can be challenging for young people, and the trustworthy adults in their lives can be a vital source of guidance. With increased awareness, education, and a culture of trust, adults can guide teens toward healthy relationships during this month and onward.
Preventing teen dating and sexual violence involves a multifaceted approach from parents, educators, and trusted community members who can instill positive values, recognize the signs of violence, and intervene appropriately. Mental health support can also be crucial in preventing or overcoming the trauma associated with teen dating violence. Consider connecting with a therapist online or in your area to get started.
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