• 1 in 3 teenagers report knowing a friend or peer who has been hit, punched, kicked, slapped, choked or physically hurt by their partner
• 13% of teenage girls who said they have been in a relationship report being physically hurt or hit
• Nearly 1 in 5 teenage girls report a boyfriend threatening suicide or physical harm to himself is she broke up with him 
• 1 in 4 teenage girls who have been in a relationship reveal they have been pressured to perform oral sex or engage in intercourse
• more than 1/2 of all rapes (54%) occur before age 18
• 26% of teenage girls in a relationship report enduring repeated verbal abuse

Although dating violence is still about power control, the Teen Power & Control Wheel shows how some tactics are special to teenage relationships.  Compare the Teen Power & Control Wheel to a Teen Equality Wheel and identify the keys to a healthy relationship.

Because relationships are new at this age, it is important to teach young men and women about respect for and equality with a boyfriend or girlfriend. Modeling healthy relationships at home is the first way to prevent abuse. The second line of prevention can happen in our schools.  Love is Not Abuse is a step-by-step curriculum guide to teach high school students about dating violence.  A sample exercise & free resources are also available at Break the Cycle. Avalon's Outreach Program offers educational presentations throughout the community on topics such as Healthy Relationships and Dating Violence.  All of Avalon's services, including the Speaker's Bureau, are free of charge.  Schedule a date and time by emailing info@avalocenter.org.

 

 

But my child wouldn't put up with that!

• in one survey, 81% of parents either believe that teen dating violence is not an issue or admit they don't know if it's an issue
• less than 25% of teens say they have discussed dating violence with their parents

What You Need to Know

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