Startling facts provided by the American Bar Association indicate approximately one in five female high school students report being physically and /or sexually abused by a dating partner. Among female victims, a current or former boyfriend or girlfriend abused 94% of those between the ages of 16 and 19. Youths involved in same-sex relationships are equally as vulnerable to teen dating violence as youths involved in heterosexual relationships.
What is Teen Dating Violence
Teen dating violence is an act of violence that occurs between two people in a close relationship. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention provides the types and definitions of teen dating violence. Physical abuse includes pinching, hitting, shoving or kicking a partner. Emotional abuse means threatening a partner or damaging his or her self-esteem This can be displayed by name calling, teasing, verbal threats or bullying. Another sign of emotional abuse is keeping the victim away from his or her family and friends. Sexual abuse is forcing a partner to engage in a sex act when he or she does not or cannot consent.
Warning Signs of a Potential Abuser
It is important for a teenager to be aware of the warning signs of a potential abuser. Be concerned if your boyfriend or girlfriend shows extreme jealousy, displays controlling behavior and tries to isolate you from your family and friends. Someone who rushes to become quickly involved in a relationship, has unpredictable mood swings and engages in drug and alcohol use is a potential abuser. Other warning signs are hypersensitivity, blaming others for his or her problems and strong beliefs in rigid sex roles. The red flag goes up if a partner uses force during an argument, is verbally abusive and threatens violence. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics press release, between 1993 and 1999, 22% of all homicides against 16 to 19 year old females in the United States were committed by an intimate partner. About one half of all sex offenders admit to committing their first sexual offenses before the age of 18.
Warning Signs of an Abuse Victim
Many victims of teen dating violence are too afraid to tell family and friends of the abuse. Recognizing the signs of abuse help parents, teachers and friends to get help for the victim. Beyond the obvious physical signs of injury, an abuse victim shows a sudden change in personality or mood, becomes isolated from family and friends and displays indecision and emotional outbursts. An abuse teen suddenly starts getting poor grades in school or even stops going to school and begins abusing drugs and alcohol. Date rape accounts for 67% of sexual assaults and 68% of young woman who are raped know their assailant as a boyfriend, friend or casual acquaintance. In 2010, the United States Congress and the Justice Department have joined forces to designate the month of February as National Teen Dating and Violence Awareness and Prevention Month.
Maryann Gromisch - Maryann Gromisch is a registered nurse with clinical experience in medical, surgical, and critical care nursing. She has been a freelance ...
