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What is Teen Dating Violence (TDV)?
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Dating violence can be defined as the perpetration or threat of an act of violence by at least one member of an unmarried couple on the other member within the context of dating or courtship (National Center for Injury Prevention and Control). Types of abuse, physical, psychological, sexual and property abuse are ways in which power and control can be maintained. Psychological abuse is almost sure to come before physical abuse does.
TDV involves different types of abuse just as domestic violence does. These can include, but are not limited to, physical, sexual assault, psychological and property abuse.
A JAMA study released in August of 2001 states that approximately 1 in 5 female high school students reports being physically or sexually abused by a partner.
Estimates about the prevalence of TDV range from 10-20% to as many as 59% of teens in one study reporting an incident of dating violence in the past year.
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Facts
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There are some common myths that many parents have concerning TDV. These myths are overwhelmingly a component that contributes to violence. If a child feels as though they are in a love relationship, regardless of whether they are in our personal opinion, the relationship will continue to function as one!
When we as adults put our blinders on and do not acknowledge the reality of the situation, we can ultimately contribute to the danger of the situation.
Teens may not know what love is according to what they have experienced, but they think they do. They are dating!
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“Oh, the relationship is not that serious. We don’t have to worry.” Violence in a relationship can lead to death, if not it continues to be a pattern in relationships.
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“It only happens to kids from bad homes, not my child.” Dating violence can happen in any home. It can occur in any socioeconomic level, culture or educational background.
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“They aren’t in love, they don’t know what love is!” Out of 2,000 rural 8th and 9th graders, 72% had dated. Suburban high school students report the onset of dating at 12 years. Over 2/3 of urban 6th graders were “going out” with someone.
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Risk Factors
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Abuse knows no cultural, ethnic, or societal barriers. These are merely a list of characteristics that can be risk factors for someone to find himself or herself in an unhealthy relationship. Risk factors can affect children the same whether they are male or female.
Witnesses of abuse can become abusers themselves (Perpetrator) take on the (Victim) role in a relationship.
Perpetrator:
These factors increase the risk of someone becoming a perpetrator of domestic violence.
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Was a victim of child abuse
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Was a child witness of domestic violence
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Abuse of drugs and alcohol
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Exposure to community violence
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Have a history of violence, including verbal and/or physical abuse
Victim:
These factors can increase the risk of someone becoming a victim.
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Was a child witness of domestic violence
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Exposure to community violence
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Is a teen mother
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Peer circle involves those who have experienced violence, with the acceptance of behaviors
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Warning Signs
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The following are visible red flags that the relationship could be headed in an unhealthy direction.
Perpetrator
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Wants the relationship to progress quickly
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Extreme jealousy and possessiveness in the relationship
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Uses guilt trips
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Over apologizes for violent behavior
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Blames the victim
Victim
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Withdrawal from friends and activities
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Visible marks or bruises
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Noticeable anxiety about partner
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Depression, sudden changes in mood
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Changes clothing style or group of friends
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Changes in grades, quality of school work
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Constantly thinking about partner
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What should I do?
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Parents
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Prevention: Set up guidelines for what will be expected of your teen in a dating relationship
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Respect your teen
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Let them come up with solutions for problems
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Focus on your child and keeping them safe
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Get informed about legal services
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Inquire about the policy your school district has regarding TDV
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Be Aware!
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