February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) and this year’s theme is Respect That. TDVAM is a time to raise awareness about dating abuse in teenage relationships and to help survivors of such abuse. Dating Violence is a type of intimate partner violence and can take place in person or online. Physical violence, emotional abuse, sexual violence, psychological aggression, and Stalking are all types of dating violence behavior. It can also include financial abuse. “This is such an important issue as abuse in dating relationships can negatively impact a teen’s development of intimacy, identity and healthy sexuality,” said Lori Gonzalez, Domestic Violence Intervention Services (DVIS) Vice President of Advocacy Services. “It can increase the risk of, obviously, physical injury, substance abuse, poor academic performance, and a host of other issues.” Data from the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2021) showed that approximately one (1) in twelve (12) U.S. high school students experienced physical dating violence and about one (1) in ten (10) experienced sexual dating violence. The survey also indicated that female students experienced higher rates of physical and sexual dating violence compared to males.
“The short- and long-term effects, on a developing teen who experiences dating violence, are unfathomable,” Gonzalez said. “Mental health issues, substance abuse, and antisocial behavior are all potential negative results for a victim of teen dating violence.”
According to statistics provided by the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, in Oklahoma, almost 1 (1) in ten (10) public high school students have experienced dating violence. Nine percent (9%) have experienced sexual dating violence and about 8 percent (8%) have experienced physical dating violence. Within those numbers, 15 percent (15%) of females and 2 percent (2%) of males have experienced sexual dating violence, while 10 percent (10%) of females and 6 percent (6%) of males have experienced physical dating violence.
There is growing evidence that dating violence occurs online, as well as in person. Behavior such as using technology to monitor a person’s whereabouts or trying to determine who someone is with.
“Given today’s technology and teen’s access to it, it’s not much of a surprise that teen dating violence is now occurring online, at an increasing rate,” said Gonzalez.
“We need to have conversations with our teens, even if they are uncomfortable, about teen dating violence,” she said.
Gonzalez suggests establishing open lines of communication and acknowledge that relationships are difficult.
“Talk to your teen privately and don’t be afraid to get uncomfortable,” she said. “Teens are going to be hesitant to talk about their relationships, but it is a very important first step for you to try to understand your teen’s relationship and what they may need.”
The Respect That campaign suggests that teens set healthy boundaries in dating relationships and be aware of unhealthy boundaries.
“Teens, in dating relationships, should respect each other’s level of consent and engage in respectful communication,” said Gonzalez. “Respect builds trust, promotes equality and supports each person’s well- being.”
Love is Respect is a project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline and offers 24/7 information and support to young people ages 13-26. Anyone who feels they are a victim of teen dating violence can contact Love is Respect – 866-331-9474, or online – loveisrespect. org.
In addition, DVIS can be reached at 918/743-5763.
“We do have an educator who does outreach to local schools educating students on subjects such as teen dating violence,” said Gonzalez.
She suggested that those interested contact DVIS to set up educational outreach with their educator.