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Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

 

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.  Research studies tell us that violence in romantic relationships often starts at a very young age, and is much more common than we might think.

 

  According to the CDC, 9.4 percent of high school students report being hit, slapped, or physically hurt on purpose by their boyfriend or girlfriend in the past 12 months.  Where do teens learn this behavior?  Unfortunately, many teens have witnessed these types of relationships occurring between the adults in their lives: their parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, or older siblings.  When teens see this, it becomes a model for “normal.”

 

Violence and control in relationships is extremely devastating to the victim, resulting in chronic health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, anxiety and depression, substance abuse and early death.  Domestic violence is also the leading predictor for child abuse.  That is why the Up2UsNow Child Abuse Prevention Coalition cares so much about stopping teen dating violence.  Our coalition is finding ways to educate teens about healthy relationships and help them get avoid teen dating violence.

 

What can you do about this problem?  Talk to the teens in your life about their romantic relationships.  Talk about what a healthy relationship looks like.  Let them know that if their partner is hurting them or trying to control their actions, it could be a dangerous relationship.  Help them find help.  Safety resources are available in our community through Battered Persons Advocacy group.  They can also talk to their Health Care Provider to ask for help.  You can find more information at http://www.teendvmonth.org/.

 

 

Erin Cudney, CPNP

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Umpqua Community Health Center

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's Up2UsNOW to prevent child abuse.

If you or someone you know needs help RIGHT NOW - call:

Police/Ambulance/Fire:                                                                                   911

To report child abuse:                                                              1-800-305-2903

Battered Person’s Advocacy Crisis Line:                           1-800-464-6543