Teen Violence/ Dating Violence.
Teen Violence/ Dating Violence.
Violent Behavior in Teen Relationships
One of five teens in a serious relationship reports having been hit, slapped, or pushed by a partner.
Young women, ages 16-24, experience the highest rates of relationship violence.
Roughly one in 10 (9%) teens has been verbally or physically abused by a boyfriend or girlfriend who was drunk or high.
Fourteen percent of teens report having been threatened with physical harm—either to them or self-inflicted by their partner—to avoid a breakup.
Teens identifying as gay, lesbian, and bisexual are as likely to experience violence in same-sex dating relationships as youths involved in opposite sex dating.
Among older teens, the percentage of violent crime involving an intimate partner was 10 times higher for females than males (9 % versus 0.6 %).
Many studies indicate that as a dating relationship becomes more serious, the potential for and nature of violent behavior also escalates.
Dating Violence and the Law
All 50 states and the District of Columbia have laws against dating violence-associated crimes such as sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking. However, the specific term “dating violence” is rarely used in these laws.
Thirty-five states allow minors to obtain civil protection orders against dating partners, with various restrictions depending upon the age of the minor.
Links to Other Forms of Violence
In 2001, more than 97,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 were victims of alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape.
Twelve percent of respondents in a study on violence against women reported having been stalked before the age of 18.
There is a connection between using violence against peers and using sexual and physical violence against dates, with stronger correlations for boys than girls.
Several studies have found that child maltreatment, defined by a combination of family violence indicators such as child abuse, corporal punishment, child sexual abuse, and exposure to domestic violence, is positively correlated with dating abuse perpetration.
Who Can Help
Crisis hotlines and helplines can provide immediate assistance and referrals to sexual assault or domestic violence programs that provide advocacy, counseling, safety planning, legal assistance, emergency shelter, and support groups.
School-based student assistance programs, guidance offices, and school resource officers can provide referrals for help and guidance on school policies and sanctions for violent behaviors by students or on campus.
Legal options include calling the police, seeking protective orders, and cooperating with criminal prosecution.
Teen Victims
(ages 13-19).
Reduce Your Risk
Trust your gut. If you don't feel comfortable in a situation, leave.
Be in charge of your own life. Don't put yourself in a situation where you have to rely on other people to take care of you. Also, When on a date, don't feel you "owe" that person anything.
Be cautious inviting someone into your home or going into someone else's home.
Three out of five sexual assaults occur in the victim's home or the home of an acquaintance.
Do not mix sexual decisions with drugs and alcohol. Your ability to make smart decisions is hampered when you are high or drunk.
When going out with someone new, don't feel you have to go alone. Go on a group date or meet in a public place.
Be aware of date rape drugs. Don't accept beverages from open containers and don't leave your drink unattended.
Walk near the curb. Avoid passing close to shrubbery, dark doorways, or other places of concealment.
Avoid falling for lines such as "If you loved me...." If your partner loved you, he/she would respect your feelings and wait until you are ready.