In an ideal world, all relationships would be healthy and respectful. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the reality.
Dating violence is an often-hidden but all-too-common problem, and teenagers and young adults are especially vulnerable. Nearly one in three teens in the U.S. will experience abuse from a romantic partner before adulthood.
We can all do our part in preventing teen dating violence by understanding and taking action. The first step is being able to recognize signs of abuse.
Abuse can be physical (hitting, slapping), emotional (name calling, excessive criticism), sexual (forcing or pressuring) or psychological (manipulation or gaslighting).
It often starts with small acts that can be mistaken for love when they are actually red flags of possessiveness and jealousy.
A teen experiencing dating violence might show signs, such as becoming more socially isolated, having unexplained bruises or cuts, displaying more anxiety or moodiness or having a drop in school performance.
If you have a teen or young adult in your life, talk to him or her openly about what healthy relationships should look like. Watch for unusual changes in mood, appearance or habits that could indicate something is wrong.
If you believe the young person might be involved in an unhealthy relationship, offer your help and support.
Bystanders can intervene by speaking up when they see abusive behavior, reporting to authorities if necessary and offering to help the victim.
There are several resources available. Visit www.loveisrespect.org to learn more and access a live online chat for 24/7 help. You can also connect to a trained confidential counselor by texting “LOVEIS” to 22522 or calling 866-331-9474. Reach out to school counselors or social workers for support, and don’t hesitate to contact law enforcement if you or someone else is in danger.
Natalie Peters is the community health educator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.
