What is Teen Dating Violence?

Definition:

A pattern of behaviors used to obtain power and control over another person.

Types of Abuse:

  • Scratching
  • Punching
  • Biting
  • Kicking
  • Pinching
  • Burning
  • Pulling hair
  • Choking
  • Strangling
  • Pushing
  • Using a weapon
  • Slapping
  • Put-downs
  • Name calling
  • Yelling and screaming
  • Harming (or threatening to harm the person, their family, friends, pets, property, etc.)
  • Spreading rumors
  • Stalking
  • Preventing the person from talking to friends / family
  • Insulting the person or their friends / family
  • Threatening to commit suicide
  • Humiliating the person
  • Financial control
  • Sharing sexual or nude pictures of the person that were given in confidence
  • Accessing someone’s accounts and changing passwords so he or she can no longer access them
  • Excessive or unwanted text messaging, instant messaging, phone calls or e mails to check up on someone
  • Posing as a person and altering his or her accounts or profiles

How to Help or Get Help

Remember that you are not alone and the abuse is not your fault.

  • Talk with someone you trust
  • Receive positive support
  • Think independently. Remember that you are the expert about your own life. Don’t let anyone talk you into doing something that’s not right for you.
  • Make a safety Plan
  • Ask your friend how she / he feels and let your friend know that you are concerned.
  • Offer your friendship and support
  • Listen and believe
  • Do not judge or rush them into a decision they are not ready to make
  • Offer to find resources or information for your friend
  • Encourage your friend to tell someone they trust
  • Know that there are people and organizations that are equipped to help you
  • Talk with someone you trust or respect
  • Understand that abuse is a choice
  • Take responsibility for your actions
  • Walk away before it escalates

Are you or were you in a relationship that was hurtful?

Here is an interactive safety plan from Loveisrespect.org that can help you to stay safe.

Interactive Safety Planner – Click Here

Resources:

Need someone to talk to?

To speak with a peer counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
Youth Crisis Hotline 24/7
805-469-5882

To speak with a domestic violence counselor:
Family Violence Response Team Hotline
1-800-636-6738

Call the National Teen Dating Violence Hotline from any location:
1-866-331-9474