Teen Dating Abuse
Order Free Healthy Teen Relationships PostersAbout 1 in 3 teens have been or will be involved in an abusive relationship*
Abuse can happen to ANYONE - but knowing what to look for can help avoid it
Healthy boundaries will be needed to protect yourself, respect yourself, and respect others
*http://www.dvs-or.org/teen-dating-violence-statistics-2019
Teens who suffer from dating abuse are subject to long term consequences like:
alcoholism, eating disorders, promiscuity, thoughts of suicide and violent behavior.
What is Dating Abuse?
Dating Abuse is a pattern of behavior used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. This includes any behaviors that: intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, force, threaten, blame, hurt, or injure.
What can abuse look like?
The Teen Power and Control Wheel gives examples of what abuse can look like.
Something happening one time isn't necessarily abuse, however, it should be a red flag. Watch for repetitions, patterns and a lack of true repentance.
click wheel to enlarge
Abuse doesn't always leave a bruise
1 in 4 teens is harassed or abused through technology
Digital Abuse may include*:
-
Bullying and harassment
-
Monitoring and stalking
-
Sexual coercion
-
Possessiveness and control
https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org/blog/digital-abuse-signs-and-help
Order Free Healthy Teen Relationships Posters
What does an abusive relationship look like?
The Cycle of Abuse shows the pattern an abusive relationship takes.
It begins calm...feeling loving and normal but eventually progresses...gaining tension until there is an explosive event.
Things settle back down - only for the cycle to begin again.
There may be gaslighting which makes the victim doubt what really happened.
click image to enlarge
What if your relationship is unhealthy?
It is important to talk to someone about what is going on. If you have no one to talk to, please call the Sheltering Wings 24/7 helpline at (317) 745-1496.
You can also reach the National Teen Dating Violence Hotline (800) 799.7233 or going to thehotline.org to chat with someone who can help.
It is important to have a plan for leaving a toxic relationship.
Below is a safety plan just for teens.
Teen Safety PlanWords of Wisdom from Abuse Survivors
Do not let your feelings overcome the warning signs you may start seeing.
- Janet
Don't date someone out of loneliness.
-Taylyr
