When teen dating violence hits your family

Dating violence can be physical, emotional, psychological or sexual in nature. It can include forceful, abusive acts, as well as threatening and stalking. And unfortunately, dating violence among teens is more common than you might imagine.

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In a nationwide survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 9.8 percent of high school students reported being hit, slapped or physically hurt on purpose by their boyfriend or girlfriend in the previous 12 months.

Also, according to a recent study published in the journal BMC Public Health, teen dating violence often is not just a one-time occurence. The research reveals that one in three victims has had more than one abuser. The study involved 271 college students who recalled dating violence — including physical, sexual and psychological abuse — from ages 13 to 19.

“For about one in three teens who were abused, it wasn’t just one bad boyfriend or girlfriend. It may have been at least the start of a trend,” said Amy Bonomi, lead author of the study and associate professor of human development and family science at Ohio State University.

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February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. It’s time to end the violence and start talking about healthy relationships.

Dating violence can do much more than physical damage. It can leave emotional scars and have negative effects on health in the future. Teens who are victims of violence are more likely to become depressed, do poorly in school, develop eating disorders, use drugs and alcohol and become victims later in life. Among adult victims of rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner,
22 percent of women and 15 percent of men first experienced some form of partner violence between 11 and 17 years of age.

Though you can’t always spot an abuser before the violence happens, research shows that people who inflict harm on their dating partners are more depressed and aggressive than their peers. They may use alcohol and drugs, be unable to manage frustration or anger, have multiple sex partners, hang out with violent friends, have behavioral problems and learning difficulties, lack parental supervision or witness violence at home.

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Obvious signs of abuse include bruises, injuries and damaged property. However, your daughter or son may be experiencing dating violence and not display any physical signs. If your teen shows sudden changes in behavior, becomes more secretive or stops hanging out with their friends, he/she may be going through some serious issues. If his/her partner seems threatening, jealous or hostile, or you have other reasons to suspect dating violence, don’t hesitate to confront your teen.

Choose a comfortable time and setting to approach the subject. Have specific examples to express your concern. Listen with an open mind, offering support and care without being accusatory or laying guilt and blame. If your teen does admit to being a victim of dating violence, call your local police department or a battered women’s shelter for more help. If your child denies abuse, continue monitoring your teen closely while providing as much support and understanding as you can.

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More on violence and abuse

Talking to your kids about sexual abuse
How a seemingly healthy relationship turns abusive
Domestic violence: Lending a helping hand