TEEN DATING VIOLENCE

I noticed that all of my blogs were geared towards the mature audience of adults. But neglected to inform my readers of another growing topic in domestic violence: Teen Dating Violence. The youth in our society are under so much pressure, such as having sex (protected or unprotected), committing crimes and addictions to drugs (legal or illegal), that dating violence has also become a greater risk for silent behaviors.

Let's explore this further(IL DV Manual and emphasis mine):

Teen dating violence often is hidden because teenagers typically:
*are inexperienced with dating relationships
*are pressured by peers to act violently
*want independence from parents
*have "romantic" views of love

The early warning signs of a potential abusive partner are similar to those of adults: Explosive behavior, extreme jealousy, quick involvement, unpredictable mood swings, isolating victim from family and friends, etc.

Parents, discuss these and other warning signs of domestic violence with your teenager(s). Here are a few signs to look for in teens that are involved in dating violence:

*Physical signs of injury
*Truancy, dropping out of school (multiple physical scars and bruises keeps the teen from attending school for fear of someone finding out about their situation)
*Failing grades
*Indecision (having doubt or uncertainities)
*Changes in mood or personaility
*Sudden use of alcohol/drugs
*Pregnancy (if a teen is pregnant multiple times a year and is having miscarriages/abortions, there's a possibilty that the abusive partner is refusing to use condoms during sexual intercourse)
*Emotional outbursts
*Isolation (The teen suddenly stays "locked" in their bedroom or anyplace in the house that allows them not to be seen for long periods of time. This is a way to hide bruises, scars and even pregnancies from parents)

So if you thought domestic violence only happens in the adult world, I hope this brief information has evolved you into taking a closer look at teen dating violence.

Teens will talk to and find confidence in each other before seeking guidance from adults. Therefore, sometimes parents are unaware of or able to detect if their child is suffering emotionally or physically from dating violence. Let this be a wake up call to us all as mothers, sisters, clergy, professionals, parishoners, teachers, students, etc. and BREAK THE SILENCE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE!

For more information contact:

National Teen dating Abuse Helpline
1-866-331-9474 | 1-866-331-8453 TTY
www.loveisrespect.org