February marks start of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

  • Published
  • By Michelle McLoughlin
  • Family Advocacy Outreach Manager
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  February is known for special events like Valentine 's Day, President's Day and Groundhog Day. However, did you know that February is also Teen Dating Violence Awareness month?

You may ask yourself why a whole month is dedicated to raising awareness about this issue. Statistics gathered by the Centers for Disease Control may shed some light on the reasons.

One in four adolescents report verbal, physical, emotional or sexual abuse from a dating partner each year, and one in 10 students nationwide report being physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend in the past 12 months. The CDC has identified dating violence as a public health problem because it can have a negative impact on health throughout life.

As a teen, "I was just kidding," "Lighten up," and "Chill Out" are responses you may have heard before if you have confronted your dating partner about inappropriate behavior or offensive statements. Don't buy into those excuses. Take these things seriously. Dating violence often starts with teasing and name calling.

These behaviors are often thought to be a "normal" part of a relationship, however, these offensive verbal interactions can lead to more serious physical violence like assault and rape. Teenagers across the nation need to be aware that a healthy relationship is one which is built on mutual respect, good communication and trust - not on power, control and violence.

If you are worried that you or someone you care about may be in an unhealthy relationship, ask yourself the following questions:

Does your boyfriend/girlfriend:

- Control where you go, what you wear or what you do?

- Try to stop you from seeing or talking to family and friends?

- Call you derogatory names, put you down or criticize you?

- Threaten or scare you?

- Hurt, slap, push or kick you?

- Force you to do something sexual when you don't want to?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, your health and safety may be at risk. If you think you may be in an abusive relationship, there are people you can talk to and resources that can help. You can contact the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline at 866-331-9474 and/or check out their website at www.loveisrespect.org.

For local resources, please feel free to contact Davis-Monthan Family Advocacy at 228-2104. Remember, you have the right to a violence-free relationship. The abuse is not your fault!