Each year, one in 10 teens reported being hit or physically hurt on purpose by a boyfriend or girlfriend at least once. Among high school students who dated, 21% of females and 10% of males experienced physical and/ or sexual dating violence according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Dating violence can have a negative effect on health throughout life. Victims of teen dating violence are more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. They might also engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as using tobacco, drugs, and alcohol. Teens who are victims in high school are at higher risk for victimization during college and in adult relationships.
What You Can Do:
- Be a role model – treat your kids and others with respect.
- Talk to teens about the importance of developing healthy, respectful relationships – before they start dating
- Look for the early warning signs of dating violence
- Help schools create policies that support healthy relationships and involve student voices.
Dating violence can happen to any teen in a romantic, dating, or sexual relationship, anytime, anywhere. But it doesn’t have to happen at all.
To learn more about local teen dating violence prevention efforts, contact HelpLine Violence Prevention Manager, Amy Hawthorne at ahawthorne@helplinedelmor.org or 740.363.1835, ext. 101.
