Teen Relationships: Detecting and Preventing Teenage Dating Violence

As teens transition into adulthood, they learn to relate emotionally and physically to the opposite sex. Unfortunately, a growing issue in teenage relationships is dating abuse. Dating abuse among teens may involve physical violence, threats of violence, sexual assault, and verbal abuse. Research in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that approximately 1 in 5 females in grades 9 through 12 have experienced physical and/or sexual abuse by a dating partner.

In the past, domestic violence was a secret shame that was not often discussed. Over time, technological advances changed our means of communication and information became easily accessible. Television and the internet have become household staples and a common means of education. Teenagers are increasingly aware of different forms of abuse and are more likely to openly discuss their lives. In the present day, many are discussing teen relationships and the issues that plague them and many teens are revealing that dating abuse is a critical issue.

Signs of Dating Abuse

Parents should be concerned if they notice the following signs of dating abuse:

• Controlling Behavior
  
  If your child is dating someone who tries to control what they wear, their finances, how they spend their time, or who they spend their time with, it is time to intervene. Controlling behavior is abuse.
• Unusual Mood Swings
  
  Many teenagers are hormonal and experience mood swings to a certain degree. However, look for erratic changes in mood and personality as well as depression, expressions of low self-esteem, excessive crying, and failing grades.
• Unexplained Physical Injuries
  
  If you notice continual mysterious injuries and unlikely explanations for them, be suspicious, especially if they become angry over a parent's questioning.
• Withdrawal and Isolation
  
  It is usually a red flag if a teenager is exhibiting an usual amount of isolation from friends and family or withdrawing from activities they used to love.
• Verbal Abuse
  
  Look for signs of verbal and emotional abuse in the form of constant insults, name calling, humiliation, threats, or intimidation. In many cases, verbal abuse leads to physical abuse.

Tips for Preventing Dating Abuse

• Education is Key
  
  Parents should teach their children the importance of forming healthy relationships and discuss the warning signs of abusive relationships.
• Practice Positive Parenting
  
  Parents should foster healthy self-esteem, parent with praise, and do their best to stay close and involved in their teenager's life. Parents should let their teenager know that they can come to them with any problem and they will give them loving guidance rather than become critical.
• Model Healthy Relationships
  
  Parents should be their children's best role model. This means maintaining healthy, positive relationships with spouses, boyfriends, and other family members. In addition, parents should seek professional help if they are struggling with challenging relationships.
• Establish Dating Rules
  
  Teen relationships develop best when appropriately guided. Set rules that require your kids to participate in group dates in open areas that are supervised by a parent.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and prevention, dating abuse can lead to substance abuse, low self-esteem, suicidality, or even further physical or sexual abuse later in life. Therefore, it is very important to monitor your child's relationships with others as the consequences of an unhealthy, abusive relationship may impact the entire family.