TEEN DATING VIOLENCE FACTS For Parents

Dating violence cuts across race, gender and socioeconomic lines Girls more likely to yell threaten to hurt themselves, pinch, slap, scratch or kick Boys injure girls more severely and frequently Some victims experience violence occasionally Others are abused more often… sometimes daily

Teens are at higher risk than adults Females are at highest risk Females are at highest risk Approximately 1 in 5 female high school students report being abused physically and or sexually Approximately 1 in 5 female high school students report being abused physically and or sexually 94% of the time the abuse is from a current or former boyfriend or girlfriend Half of the reported date rapes occur among teens.

Parent Awareness 81% of parents surveyed either believe teen dating violence is not an issue or admit they don’t know if it is an issue. A Majority of parents (54%) admit they have not spoken to their children about dating violence.

TEEN Awareness 25% of year olds know at least one student who is a victim, 11% know multiple victims, 33% have witnessed violence. 20% of male students witnessed another student hit the person they were dating. 39% of female students report talking about whether someone is trying to control the person they are dating. 57% of teens know someone who has been physically abused.

INCIDENT REPORTING Female students when asked whom they would talk to if they were a victim: 1.86% would confide in a friend. 2.7% would talk to the police 3.83% reported they would rather talk to a friend than a teacher, parent, or counselor Only 33% of victims ever told anyone about the abuse.

WARNING SIGNS Since dating this person your teen drops activities that were important to them Grades begin to fall often to failing Change in body language, slouching, biting nails, little or no eye contact. Uncharacteristic change in clothing and/or makeup Contact bruises for which no logical explanation fits.

WARNING SIGNS Teen is not eating, talking or acting as they normally would. Sudden mood changes. Daughter stopped seeing friends and family. You know your teens girlfriends or boyfriend has a temper When your daughter’s boyfriend is around you, you notice he calls her names and puts her down.

PREVENTION Recommendations 1.Spend time with your teen. 2.Talk to your teen listen listen listen 3.It is okay if they get mad you ask questions. Don’t stop asking. 4.Do not prejudge your teens friends. 5.Talk to your kids about healthy relationships.

PREVENTION Recommendations 6.Communicate to your children that both sexes are equal. 7.Be a role model for your children 8.Establish a trusting relationship with your child. 9.Be a detective without violating your kids privacy. 10.Teens need you to be a parent – not their friend.

HOUSE BILL 121 District will have a dating violence policy. Districts will educate staff and students about the issue of teen dating violence.

WEBSITE American Bar Association