Valley Trauma Center

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

February 25, 2016

Teen Dating Violence Deck Image

What is Teen Dating Violence (TDV)?

TDV is any physical, sexual, psychological, or emotional violence within a teen dating relationship, including stalking.  It can happen in person or electronically and might happen between a current or ex boyfriend/girlfriend.  Teen dating violence may include uncontrolled anger, jealousy, and possessiveness.  It may include hitting, pushing, choking, dragging, yelling, threatening, name-calling, mocking, and other ways of verbal, sexual, emotional, and physical abuse.

Teen Dating Violence is never okay, and no one deserves to be abused.  If you are in this situation you are not alone and there are options to keep you safe.

Warning Signs

Being able to tell the difference between healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationships can be tricky.  No two relationships are the same, so what's unhealthy in one relationship may be abuse in the next.  Although there are many signs to pay attention to in a relationship, look for these common warning signs of dating abuse:

  • Checking cell phones, emails or social networks without permission
  • Extreme jealousy or insecurity
  • Constant put-downs
  • Unpredictable temper
  • Keeping you away from family and friends
  • Making false accusations
  • Mood swings
  • Physically causing pain or hurt in any way
  • Possessiveness
  • Telling someone what to do

Resources

Safety planning for someone in an abusive relationship is a necessary and important step.  Here are some helpful tips:

  1. Put important numbers on your speed dial:
  • Close friend or family member that can be there to get you out of a bad situation
  • Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE(7233)
  • Have a "safe" word that you can easily text or say to a close friend or family member:
  • Download a safety app on your phone
    • Circle of 6 - is programmed to contact your friends and or national hotlines or 911 depending on your needs.
  • Keep your phone and some money with you at all times and try to keep your phone charged
  • Have an escape plan.  Plan out possible escape routes in your house or the house that you are staying in.  Plan out who is willing to help you get away.