Research reveals that up to 19% of teens experience dating violence. Dating violence includes physical and sexual violence, stalking, harassment, and psychological abuse. Unfortunately, many teens do not report dating violence, so the numbers could be higher. A teen may be frightened or ashamed, so they don’t report the abuse. Other teens may not recognize the conduct as dating violence.
Does Domestic Violence Increase the Risk of Dating Violence for Teens?
Because the short and long-term damage from teen dating violence can be severe, researchers are focusing on risk factors for teen dating violence in addition to ways to stop it. Research has found that children who experience a range of adverse childhood experiences are more likely to commit or be the victim of teen dating violence.
Some researchers have indicated that teen dating violence could be a part of the circularity of violence. Violence in the family could be related to adolescent dating violence (ADV). Children exposed to domestic violence repeat the behavior as teens as part of a cycle of abuse. Family and domestic violence impacts an estimated 10 million people each year, including children and teens. It includes intimate partner abuse, child abuse, and elder abuse.
Warning Signs of Teen Dating Violence You Need to Know
Many teens do not identify harmful behavior as dating violence. Parents can help their teens recognize teen dating violence by discussing the warning signs with them.
Warning signs of teen dating violence include:
- Isolating you from your family or friends
- Using humiliation, intimidation, and insults to control you
- Unwanted sexual contact of any kind
- Abusing drugs and alcohol
- Constantly tracking your activities and location
- Monitoring your social media activity
- Being told to dress a certain way
- Questioning your memory by insisting another version of the story is true
- Extreme controlling behavior, jealousy, or insecurity
- Threatening or causing any physical violence
- Forcing you to accept unwanted gifts and items
- Unusual moodiness and explosive temper
- Showing up announced and invasions of your privacy
Parents should watch for changes in their teen’s activities, mood, and appearance. These changes could be an indication dating violence is occurring. Drops in grades, changes in peer groups and friends, and unexplained injuries are other warning signs parents should be aware of that could indicate something is wrong.
Talking honestly and openly about teen dating violence is one of the best steps parents can take to protect their children. Ensuring teens understand what qualifies as violence and abuse helps them recognize behavior and signs earlier in a relationship.
Criminal Charges for Teen Dating Violence
Teen dating violence could result in criminal charges in some situations. Stalking, harassment, and assault are some of the charges an abuser could face. Depending on the circumstances, parents may need to contact law enforcement about teen dating violence. The court may grant a protective order for a teenager if they are the victim of teen dating violence.
Domestic violence attorneys can assist families in obtaining protective orders and navigating the legal complexities associated with teen dating violence. Unfortunately, some accusations of dating violence may be false. A teen may allege someone abused them when the abuse did not happen. The alleged abuser may face criminal charges because of the false allegations. If your teen is charged with crimes related to teen dating violence, seek legal advice from a San Diego domestic violence lawyer.
Getting Help for Victims of Teen Dating Violence
If your teen is the victim of teen dating violence, there are several resources you can access for help. Those resources include:
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
- The National Dating Abuse Helpline 1-866-331-9474
- The National Centers for Victims of Crimes 1-800-FYI-CALL
- Love is Respect
- Break the Cycle
Many states have offices and hotlines for domestic and family violence that can recommend resources within the state. Seeking help from mental health professionals is important for adolescents who have experienced teen dating violence. Shame and self-blame are often common reactions for victims of dating violence.
Seeking mental health therapy can help teens deal with the long-term consequences of teen dating violence. The first step in recovering from teen dating violence is admitting something has happened, and that help is needed.