​The Problem
 

​Teen Dating Abuse is a silent epidemic. 1 in 3 teens will experience abuse in a relationship. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledges that this abuse has serious short term and long term effects on our youth. Dating abuse is physically dangerous and life-threatening, as well as devastating to a young person’s mental health. Teens who experience abuse in relationships exhibit higher rates of drug abuse, school drop-out, risky sexual behavior, self-harm, and suicide.

Young people are harming relationship partners because they do not understand the dynamics of a healthy relationship.

Dating abuse is not solely a female problem or a minority problem.  Abuse can happen regardless of age, races nationality economic status, sexual orientation, gender, or religion.

​You Are The Solution
 

Most teens and adults in abusive relationships will tell no one they are experiencing abuse. If they do confide in someone, it is most likely a friend, not  a parent or other adult. They feel that an adult would not understand, or may judge them, or that an adult would not take it seriously. Adults must be willing to take the first step to reach out. Teens actually want to talk about relationships with their parents, but they don't know how to start. You have had the "don't do drugs" and the "don't drink and drive", but have you talked about dating behaviors? You can start young, younger than you think. And it shouldn't be just one awkward conversation. 
​Want to learn more? If you are local, you can schedule a parent training. Or you can download our guide here .