Dating Abuse

Safe and Healthy Relationships

Your son or daughter is growing up. They’ve gone through elementary school, moved on into middle or high school, and they’ve fallen in love.

Holding hands in the hallway, kissing for the first time – these are some of the sweeter aspects of those relationships. But there can be darker sides as well.

Nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a single year.

One in three adolescents in the U.S. is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner, a figure that far exceeds rates of other types of youth violence.

One in 10 high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend.

The world has become a turbulent, difficult place for many teens. Protect your child. Be alert and aware, and keep track of what’s going on in their world.

 

Warning Signs

While the following non-specific warning signs could indicate other concerning things such as depression or drug use, these should also raise a red flag for parents and adult caregivers about the possibility of an unhealthy relationship:

  • no longer hanging out with his/her circle of friends
  • wearing the same clothing
  • distracted when spoken to
  • constantly checking cell phone, gets extremely upset when asked to turn phone off
  • withdrawn, quieter than usual
  • angry, irritable when asked how they are doing
  • making excuses for their boyfriend/girlfriend
  • showering immediately after getting home
  • unexplained scratches or bruises

Resources

crisis-text-line

741-741

national-domestic-violence-hotline

(800) 799-7233

(866) 331-9474

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