Know the warning signs of a harmful, teen dating relationship
One in eleven high school students reports being a victim of dating abuse. And this is not just physical abuse - it can come in many forms - verbal, emotional, physical and even sexual.
In a recent survey, many teens did not know the warning signs of an abusive relationship, and many parents didn’t know what was going on in their teens’ relationships.
Dating abuse isn’t an occasional argument or a bad mood, it is a pattern of controlling behavior that someone uses against a girlfriend or boyfriend. The following are warning signs of this type of dysfunctional and harmful relationship:
- Giving up activities or hobbies that they previously enjoyed
- Withdrawing from family or friends
- Spending excessive time with only the person they’re dating
- Signs of jealousy and possessiveness
- Constant contact by phone calls, texting or sending instant messages
- Signs of threats, insults or inappropriate control of temper from the person they’re dating
Early sexual activity tends to fuel this dysfunctional behavior the researchers report. The solution, experts say, are programs to help parents and their kids recognize unhealthy relationships, and to stop them before they start.
Parents, if it’s too late for preventive efforts and you need help now, first learn about the problem, and then consult professionals whom you trust, before venturing into a problem-solving conversation with your child. This is not a situation to be ignored, taken lightly, or bluntly confronted, and can easily become an explosive and divisive chasm between you and your child, pushing your teen away from you and even closer to their dating partner. It’s essential to talk to your child and keep the lines of communication open, but beware of blundering into a dangerous situation unprepared.
One place to start is the The National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline which is an online resource as well as a phone helpline: 1-866-331-9474 | 1-866-331-8453 TTY. They have a call center in Austin, Texas, where their staff are trained to offer support, information and advocacy to those involved in dating abuse relationships. It also will provide help for concerned parents, teachers, clergy, law enforcement, and service providers.
via CDC, “Break the Silence, Stop the Violence”, August 2008
via Survey sponsored by Liz Claiborne Inc. and loveisrespect.org and conducted by Teenage Research Unlimited, Loveisrespect.org operates the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline, August 2008
Bookmark this page
E-mail this story
Print this post
Excellent blog, definately worth a read .
Keep up the good work!
Have a quick read on your website, great website, thank You! Wish to share this inspirational quote - “Life’s real failure is when you do not realize how close you were to success when you gave up.” Have a wonderful day! Feel free to visit my one-stop Abusive Relationships website as well.