February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention
Month Did you know that in a recent national survey, 1 in 10
teens reported being hit or physically hurt on purpose by a
boyfriend or girlfriend at least once in the 12 months prior to
the survey? And nearly half of all teens in relationships say
they know friends who have been verbally abused. Before violence
starts, a teen may experience controlling behavior and demands.
One partner may tell another what to wear and who to hang out
with. Over time, the unhealthy behavior may become violent.
That's why adults need to talk to teens now about the importance
of developing healthy, respectful relationships. Dating violence
can have a negative effect on health throughout life. Victims of
teen dating violence are more likely to do poorly in school, and
report binge drinking, suicide attempts, physical fighting, and
current sexual activity. Teens who perpetrate dating violence
may also carry these patterns of violence into future
relationships. CDC's