Dating violence advice parents
According to the National Council on Crime and Delinquency, approximately one in three adolescent girls in the United States is a victim of physical, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner- a figure that far exceeds victimization rates for other types of violence affecting youth.Adapted from “Parents Guide to Teen Dating Violence,” Crime and Violence Prevention Center, California Attorney General’s Office.It can take the form of physical violence, like hitting or shoving, or it can be verbal or emotional abuse—like humiliation or intimidation.In today’s digital world, more and more dating violence is happening through the web.Healthy parent-child relationships also lead to more satisfaction in romantic relationships.Teens in violent relationships often are afraid to seek help.They are at greater risk for depression, eating disorders, and risky sexual behavior—an abused teen girl is six times more likely to become pregnant and twice as likely to get an STD.And it gets worse: One study found that half of youth who have been victims of both dating violence and rape attempt suicide.
When children understand what a healthy relationship is, they are less likely to accept dating violence and are more likely to have positive attitudes toward gender equality, according to a recent study.
The best solution is prevention, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). They often have an explosive temper, are jealous, put their partner down, isolate their date from friends and families, make false accusations, have mood swings, seem possessive or bossy, and will pressure their date to do things against his or her will.