Parents Connect:

Teen Dating Violence

http://ishareimage.com/clipart-parents-atschool.asp

What is teen dating

violence? Any hurtful or
unwanted physical,
sexual, verbal, or
emotional act inflicted by
a casual or intimate by a
casual or intimate dating
partner.

When talking to your child:

FACT!

-Express your concern

-Be a good listener

-Offer understanding and support

-Ask how you can help
-Encourage your child to get help

Instead of asking why your child wont end the relationship:

1 in 3 teens
report being
in an abusive
relationship
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC144685
4/

Types of
Abuse

1. Understand your child may feel embarrassed or may

feel like it is his/her own fault.
2. Remember that your child may have been threatened
if he/she tries to break up with them, and they may feel
scared and hopeless.

Physical
Emotional
Verbal
Sexual

3. Remember that dating violence is about power and

control, and your child may feel like they have no choice
4. Slow down and listen to your child. Help them process
what happened, learn for it, and regain a sense of self. Ask
them how they feel. It is not their fault.
5. Victims say helps the most is to be heard. Be understanding.
Some Warning Signs:
1. A change in your childs mood and appetite
2. The partner becomes jealous when your child talks or
hangs out with other friends or people of the opposite sex.
3. If a partner is controlling, bossy, makes all of the
decisions, dont ask for input.
4. Pressures your child to do something sexual that they do
not want to do.
5. Blames your child for his or her problems.
6. Calls or texts excessively.
7. Decline in grades

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs086/1101394867161/archive/110706616156
5.html

If you have questions or need

additional information please
contact:
The Willow Domestic Violence
Center
www.willowdvcenter.org
24 hour hotline (785)843-3333