Objective: Students will identify the warning signs of dating violence and understand how they can protect themselves

 Roughly 1.5 million high school boys and girls in the U.S. admit to being intentionally hit or physically harmed in the last year by someone they are romantically involved with.  Teens who suffer dating abuse are subject to long-term consequences like alcoholism, eating disorders, promiscuity, thoughts of suicide, and violent behavior.  33 percent of adolescents in America are victim to sexual, physical, verbal, or emotional dating abuse.  In the U.S., 25 percent of high school girls have been abused physically or sexually. Teen girls who are abused this way are 6 times more likely to become pregnant or contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

 Females between the ages of 16 and 24 are roughly 3 times more likely than the rest of the population to be abused by an intimate partner.  Violent behavior often begins between 6th and 12th grade. 72 percent of 13 and 14-year-olds are “dating.”  50 percent of young people who experience rape or physical or sexual abuse will attempt to commit suicide.  A mere third of the teens who were involved in an abusive relationship confided in someone about the violence.  Teens who have been abused hesitate to seek help because they do not want to expose themselves or are unaware of the laws surrounding domestic violence.seek help

 The physical, emotional, verbal, or sexual abuse of one partner by the other in a current or former relationship

 Acts jealous or possessive  Tries to pressure the other into sexual activity  Controlling Behavior  Quick Involvement (serious or exclusive right away)  Unfair Expectations  Isolation  Blames others for problems  Overly Sensitive  Verbal Abuse  History of Battering  Threats of Violence  Force Used During Argument

 LOVE  FEAR  DOUBT  EMBARRASSMENT

 Spend time with others that share your values and treat you with respect  Know your own limits with regard to sexual activity and communicate those limits to anyone you date.  Avoid drugs and alcohol. These substances can impair your ability to make sound decisions.  Understand the warning signs of abuse.  Trust your “gut”  Seek help from someone you trust.

 Know the person before you say yes  Did anyone warn you about the person?  Double date with trusted friends or go out in a group  Go to public places  Be clear about your sexual limits  Have a cell phone  Know exit doors  Avoid alcohol and drugs  Never leave your drink unattended  Make sure you have a way home

 When one person in a dating relationship forces the other person to take part in sexual intercourse.  Can harm survivors physically, mentally, and emotionally.  Alcohol or drugs often involved  Drugs are often used to subdue the victim.  Substances like Rohypnol “roofies” are often used.  Contact doctor/hospital or police immediately.  One of the crimes least likely to be reported. You can have had prior sexual encounters with person and still be date raped.

 Never walk home late at night by yourself  Stay in well lit areas of the campus  Learn about security procedures on campus  **The leading cause of arrests on most college campuses is alcohol related.

 People who have survived rape or abuse may feel angry, confused, or ashamed  Survivors may withdraw from friends and family or develop symptoms of depression or anxiety  Long term problems may include alcohol or drug abuse, eating disorders, self-injury, and suicide  Seeking professional help is the best way to work through feelings and avoid long-term health consequences

 Parents, guardians, teachers, coaches, school nurse, guidance counselors, police, crisis centers, therapists, support groups, hospital, medical centers, shelters