In one single year, 1.5 Million high school students reported that they have been physically abused in a relationship. Of those 1.5 Million high school students, about 57% of their friends knew that they were in an abusive relationship. Many teens feel that they are alone if they are in an abusive relationship or that dating violence is not something that happens in their school or hometown. Unfortunately, this is just not the case. Dating violence happens more often than anyone would like, but there are things that can be done to stop it and help lower the number of students in an abusive relationship.
One of the best ways to help your child not be in an abusive relationship is to teach them what qualities a healthy relationship has and what qualities to avoid. Signs of a healthy relationship include:
* Respect for one another
* Cooperation
*Support for one another
*Honesty from both in the relationship
*Safety
*Accountability
(See healthy relationship diagram at the bottom of the page.)
In healthy relationships, each person should have healthy self-esteem, be able to maintain friendships outside of the relationship, resolve conflict fairly and without yelling or screaming at each other, and each person should feel secure and comfortable when around their significant other. Arguments are inevitable, but they should never turn violent and each person should be able to openly express their feelings without the other person getting overly angry.
If you notice your child start to quit activities they normally do, constantly trying to explain where they are or who they are hanging out with to their significant other, or see their significant other being overly jealous, please take the time to have a talk with your child about what is going on, as they could be a part of a relationship that is abusive and violent. All teens need to know they are not alone if they are in a relationship like this and there are people and places that are out there to help. If they are in a relationship like this, chances are it will only get worse. The best thing they can do it SPEAK UP.
- S-step out of the relationship
- P-pay attention to what is going on
- E-educate others
- A-acknowledge the problem
- K-know your worth
- U- use your best judgment
- P-protect yourself.
If you or anyone you know has experience dating violence call The Safe Place at 501-354-1884. You can also call the Crisis Line at 1-888-554-2501 or our Perryville location at 501-889-2030.
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