The Scope of the Problem
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a time to acknowledge and raise awareness of this pervasive public health crisis and work to break the cycles of violence in our communities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines teen dating violence as physical and sexual violence, psychological and mental abuse, and/or stalking between two adolescents. Unhealthy relationships can start at a young age and create patterns that continue into future relationships, with devastating consequences. The CDC also shared data that among U.S. high school students who reported dating in 2019, about 1 in 12 experienced physical dating violence, while 1 in 12 also experienced sexual dating violence. Female students and students who identify as queer or LGBTQ+ are at greater risk. Digital abuse is prevalent among young people, with a significant number experiencing sexual coercion, bullying, or being subjected to derogatory remarks, harassment, or name-calling through technology. In one study conducted by Cox Communications, approximately half of the young people who sent nude photos felt pressured to do so. It’s crucial to note that many parents have yet to engage in conversations about dating violence or what constitutes healthy and unhealthy relationships with their children.
The Ripple Effect
Teen dating violence poses significant challenges and detrimental outcomes for individuals and communities. Firstly, it inflicts physical and emotional harm on its victims, resulting in injuries, trauma, and psychological distress. According to a population-based study conducted on childhood adversity, this not only impacts their immediate well-being but also leaves lasting scars that can affect their mental health and relationships in the future. Furthermore, the cycle of abuse perpetuated by teen dating violence is alarming, as victims may either become perpetrators themselves or remain trapped in abusive relationships, perpetuating the normalization of harmful behavior.
The Office of Safe and Healthy Students identified that teens experiencing dating violence often struggle to concentrate and perform well in school, leading to absenteeism and lower grades. This can hinder their educational opportunities and future prospects. Socially, victims may withdraw from friends and family due to shame or fear, leading to social isolation and a lack of support networks. This further exacerbates their vulnerability and makes it harder for them to seek help or escape from abusive situations.
Additionally, teen dating violence can have serious health consequences, such as an increased risk of substance abuse, risky sexual behavior, and chronic health conditions due to prolonged stress and trauma. Perhaps most concerning is the normalization of abuse within communities where it is not addressed or challenged. This perpetuates a culture where abusive behavior is tolerated, undermining efforts to promote healthy relationships and respect for all individuals.
Addressing teen dating violence is paramount to safeguarding the well-being of young individuals and fostering a culture of respect and empathy. By raising awareness, providing support, and promoting healthy relationship dynamics, we can work towards preventing teen dating violence and creating safer communities for everyone.
The Solutions
Here are four ways you can help to prevent teen dating violence:
1. Use materials that are meaningful to young people. Put up posters and flyers that have been developed by young people themselves in your office, (child’s) school, or department. The Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence has youth-developed campaign materials available for free through their Love Language in Healthy Relationships Campaign.
2. Talk to young people about their relationships. Whether you are a health care provider, teacher, coach, neighbor, friend, or family member, just one caring adult can make a huge difference in the life of someone struggling with an abusive relationship. Engage the young people you know in talking about healthy and unhealthy relationships and be ready to refer them for additional help if necessary.
3. Get more information for yourself. If you feel unprepared to have a conversation about healthy relationships with a young person you know, learn more. The more you know, the easier these conversations are to have. You are not alone! Many tools are available.
4. Make the connection. For anyone struggling in their relationship, connect them to a trained peer advocate via the National Dating Abuse Helpline, at 1-866-331-9474 (TTY: 1-866-331-8453), by texting "loveis" to 77054, or through live chat at loveisrespect.org.
More information on the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month 2024 campaign materials can be found here.