Important Note and Disclaimer: The information provided in this website is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical or legal advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified mental health and/or wellness professional for any health concerns and/or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
Millions of high school students experience teen dating violence (TDV), but many teens do not report abuse. Prevention efforts and interventions on a school-wide and classroom level can help stop dating conflicts and sexual harassment
before they occur. And school counselors can play an invaluable role by providing support and resources for their students who may be in situations where they are being harmed.
Teen dating violence is a form of intimate partner violence that occurs between teenagers of all genders who engage in romantic relationships. TDV can take place in person, over the phone or online, similar to bullying.
THE TWO MAIN TYPES OF TDV INCLUDE:
Physical dating violence: Being purposefully, physically hurt by someone they were dating or going out with. Acts of physical violence include being hit, slammed into something or injured with an object or weapon.
Sexual dating violence: Being forced to perform sexual acts by someone they were dating or going out with. Acts of sexual violence include rape and unwanted kissing and touching.
The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System collected data about physical and sexual dating violence among high school students in relationships in 2017. Overall, about 8% of high school students in relationships experienced physical dating violence, while the overall prevalence of having experienced sexual violence ranged from 7.7% to 18.5%. Female students and lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) students were among the groups most at risk.
Warning Signs & Red Flags
Check out the article below that describes how gaslighting is often found in unhealthy relationships.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) – Staffed 24 hours a day by trained counselors who can provide crisis assistance and information about shelters, legal advocacy, health care centers, and counseling.
Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men and Women: 1-888-743-5754 DAHMW.org
STAND Against Domestic Violence Crisis Hotline: 1-888-215-5555
Domestic Abuse is something which can affect confidence and self esteem, lead to feelings of despair, depression, anxiety, entrapment, and in some situations can lead to feelings of being controlled, isolated from family and friends, constantly watched, and can also lead to lives being taken.
When we think about Domestic Abuse we often automatically think of abuse between partners but it is important also for us all to recognise that abuse could be between siblings, children abusing their parents and parents abusing their children and abuse by professional workers such as carers, support workers who are looking after vulnerable people.
Nobody should have to put up with abuse whoever it is from and in whatever setting. Each individual has a right to feel safe from harm whether that be physical, emotional, sexual, neglect.
This Section Includes Information Relating to:
If you are a child or young person witnessing domestic violence in the home you may be feeling very alone, frightened, depressed, confused, isolated. Your school work may be suffering, you may be experiencing difficulties in making friends and relationships, you may be harming yourself in some way as a means of coping with the circumstances at home.
It is important to talk to someone about how you are feeling. SupportLine is a confidential telephone helpline which will enable you to talk to a helpline worker about what is going on for you. You will be listened to and believed. You can do this in complete confidence and anonymously and no action will be taken unless you want it to be taken. You will be in control of what happens unless the helpline worker feels your life is in danger and then will let you know what action they will take for your safety. There are also other helplines you can ring such as Childline which is a free 24hour helpline for children and young people. There may be someone in your family circle who you could talk to - an aunt, uncle, grandparent etc., or a school teacher or youth worker. It is important to get some support for yourself.
You may feel in some way responsible for the violence which is taking place - remember IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT! YOU ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE.
You may feel guilty you cannot protect the parent who is being subjected to violence. IT IS NOT YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT YOUR PARENT.
You may feel you are being disloyal to the parent who is being violent by speaking about what is happening within the home to other people. A PARENT WHO IS VIOLENT NEEDS HELP JUST AS THE PARENT WHO IS BEING SUBJECTED TO VIOLENCE NEEDS HELP.
These are all natural feelings to have and feelings which you can talk through with someone who understands what you are going through.
DON'T TRY TO COPE ON YOUR OWN - TRY TO GET AS MUCH HELP AND SUPPORT FOR YOURSELF AS YOU CAN.
Supportline
Student Research
Important Note and Disclaimer: The information provided in this website is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical or legal advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified mental health and/or wellness professional for any health concerns and/or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.