Small Town Times 2-7 | Page 16

FEBRUARY IS TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
Did You Know ?
� � �
1 in 3 young people experience some form of dating violence in their relationships - which by any other standard would be called an epidemic !
Dating abuse affects people of all ages , backgrounds and identities
1 in 10 high school students have been purposefully hit , slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend Only 33 % of teens who were in an abusive relationship ever told anyone about the abuse Violent relationships in adolescence can place the victims at high risk for depression , suicidal ideation , substance abuse , eating disorders , risky sexual behavior and further domestic violence
Young women between the ages of 18-24 experience the highest rate of intimate partner violence , almost double the national average !
81 % of parents believe teen dating violence is not an issue or admit they don ’ t know if it ’ s an issue
10 Warning Signs That You Are in an Unhealthy Relationship :
1 .
Constant put-downs
2 .
Extreme jealousy or insecurity
3 .
Explosive temper
4 .
Isolating you from family and friends
5 .
Big mood swings
6 .
Making false accusations
7 .
Telling you what to do
8 .
Preventing you from doing what you want to do
9 .
Financial control
10 . Possessiveness
16