How to Take Action Against Teen Dating Violence
In the United States, 1 in 3 young adults will be a victim of physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal violence from their dating partner.
This February – Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month – it’s important to know what healthy relationships look like, and the warning signs of a possibly toxic or abusive relationship.
In a healthy relationship, your partner should:
- Respect your boundaries, levels of consent, and your feelings or opinions
- Communicate openly with you, and work with you to find solutions to problems
- Support your identity and those close to you (family, friends, or peers)
- Trust in your actions and words
Signs of an unhealthy relationship, or a potentially abusive relationship, can include:
- Lack of respect of boundaries and disregard of your thoughts and feelings
- The need for control, including digitally, like checking your phone, social media accounts, or email without your permission
- Aggressive behaviors, or emotional abuse
- Isolating you from your friends or family
- Lack of support, or a constant feeling of being “on edge” with your partner
Understanding these signs can empower teens to make informed choices about their physical, mental, and emotional health when navigating their romantic relationships.
The Love is Respect Project, a project by the National Domestic Violence Hotline, is a national resource that offers education and advocacy to teens to promote healthy dating relationships. Take their quiz to start understanding your relationship dynamics or go to their website to learn more.
If you need immediate support, please call 1-866-331-9474 or text “LOVEIS” to 22522.
Additionally, read more about knowing the signs and care for teens at Adagio Health here.
