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Dating abuse is a serious health concern for many students:
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One in three high school students will be involved in an abusive relationship.
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Forty-five percent of teenage girls ages 14 to 17 say they know someone their age who has been hit or beaten by a boyfriend.
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Nearly 80% of girls who have been physically abused in their intimate relationships continue to date their abuser.
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Both girls and boys can be abused by a dating partner and both girls and boys can be abusers.
| You Can Help |
Educators, advocates and parents can learn more about how to help teens address dating violence:
- Educators: Dating violence has a particularly damaging effect on schools, students and the learning environment.
- Advocates & community service providers: You can play an important role in educating teens about dating violence.
- Parents: If you suspect dating violence, your son or daughter needs your support.
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Understanding Barriers to Getting Help
Teens who are in an abusive relationship may have a difficult time getting help for the following reasons:
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fear of hurting their dating partner's feelings
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fear that the friend who they confide in will tell them to end the relationship
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fear of losing independence from one's parents
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fear of getting into trouble with one's parents
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fear that people will not understand, will blame them, or won't believe what's happened
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not knowing how or where to get help
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fear of retaliation from the abusive dating partner
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not knowing how to leave or improve the situation
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embarrassment
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fear of being judged
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not trusting that what is said will be kept confidential
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not wanting to admit that it's a real problem
Finding Helpful Resources
There are many resources available for getting help for a teen who is in an abusive relationship. These resources can be found both locally and nationally.
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National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: 866-331-9474
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Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN): 800-656-HOPE (4673)
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National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233)
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National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center: www.safeyouth.org
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