The week of February 2 – 6, 2009 has been declared as this year’s “National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week.” Designed to increase public awareness and education regarding teen dating violence this initiative was first established in 2006.

Domestic violence in the U.S. is often left unacknowledged. Behind some smiling couples and their children lurks these unspoken acts. Unfortunately these children adopt these destructive behavioral patterns both as victims and aggressors. Teens carry these learned behaviors into their own lives thinking that these behaviors are the norm. The crime of teen dating violence, which includes physical, emotional and sexual assault, and harassment via texting, email or Instant Messaging is a cruel reality for many American teenagers—a reality of which many parents are unaware.

The Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Initiative is spearheaded by teenagers across the nation who chose to take a stand and put a stop to teen dating violence. The call to end teen dating violence has been formally recognized in the Senate in 2006, 2007, 2008 and now, 2009. The Senate “Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week” resolutions call on government representatives and agencies, private organizations and public officials to promote activities in their respective communities that raise awareness of the high incidence of teen dating violence that occurs among our teens every day, as well as prevention strategies.

Italy High School will be participating in the Texas Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week and will educate the student body with these facts and information about Teen Dating Violence:

• A survey by the Texas Council on Family Violence reports that 75 percent of people aged 16 to 24 reported having personally experienced dating violence or knowing someone who has. This program will hopefully help identify and end relationship abuse among teenagers. To learn more about dating violence check out these websites:
  www.loveisrespect.org or www.ChooseRespect.org

• Dating abuse is a very real issue for many youth regardless of age, gender, status, race, class, culture, or religion. Approximately 1 in 4 youth reports experiencing some form of dating abuse—verbal, emotional, physical, or sexual. Sometimes called “relationship violence” or “dating violence,” dating abuse is the act or threat of abuse by one partner in a dating relationship toward the other partner. This abusive behavior is frequently some combination of four types of abuse:
  • Verbal such as name calling or put-downs
  • Emotional such as threatening to hurt themselves or dating partner
  • Physical such as pinching, slapping, hitting, or shoving
  • Sexual such as unwanted touching or forcing someone into sexual activity against his/her will

• The statistics for dating violence is startling. Unfortunately, many youth do not recognize dating abuse when it’s happening to them. Studies show that emotional abuse or control is often seen as acceptable by middle-schoolers and that most youth involved in dating abuse do not seek help. Many who may see the abuse and are close enough to help are reluctant to “butt in” or may not know what to do. There is still a lot of confusion and misperceptions about dating abuse and about youth involved in abusive relationships. However today, because we know more about the characteristics and warning signs of dating abuse, we know that it can be prevented. By starting early and teaching skills for healthy non-abusive relationships, we can prevent abuse before it starts—by helping youth choose respect.

• Youth in abusive relationships may be embarrassed, ashamed, or just uneasy talking to adults—even those they love and trust—about dating abuse. For these reasons, adults should watch for warning signs of a youth being abused or being the abuser. If you observe one or more of the warning signs below, talk openly and honestly with the youth about your concerns.

Warning signs that someone is being abused:

• Loss of confidence
• Loss of interest in activities and hobbies
• Noticeable changes in eating or sleeping pattern
• Excuses for the dating partner’s behavior
• Isolation from family and friends
• Suspicious bruises or injuries
• Alcohol or drug use

Warning signs that someone may be an abuser:

• Insults made to a dating partner in public or private
• Attempts to control what the dating partner wears
• Constant checking-up on the dating partner
• Damage or destruction of a dating partner’s personal belongings
• Threats to hurt others

Safety Tips: These safety tips are for all persons involved in relationships, and are helpful for youth as well as adults. If you are the victim of dating abuse, don’t blame yourself but do seek help:

• If you are in immediate danger, contact 9-1-1 for help.
• Talk with people you trust and seek services. Consider the following resources:
  • National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: 1-866-331-9474, TTY 1-866-331-8453, or
    www.loveisrespect.org.
  • Your local domestic violence shelter
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233), 800-787-3224 TDD, or www.ndvh.org
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673)
  • National Sexual Violence Resource Center: www.nsvrc.org
• If you are or think you may become abusive with the person whom you are dating,contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233),
  800-787-3224 (TDD), www.ndvh.org, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673).
• Recognize early warning signs of potential physical abuse, like extreme jealousy, controlling behavior, or verbal threats.
• Know what services in your community are available for people involved in abusive relationships.
• Keep a list of these services on hand in case you or a friend ever needs help.
• Learn as much as you can about dating abuse. Information is available in libraries, from local and national domestic violence organizations, and on the Internet. The more you know about dating abuse, the easier it will be to recognize it and help yourself or friends who may be victims or abusers.