It is a common misconception that teens are exempt from the problems that plague adult relationships, especially domestic abuse. In reality, it has been shown that a third of teenagers have been involved in a dating relationship that has turned violent. Known as teen dating abuse, it is a carbon copy of the usual conception of domestic abuse in which a form of violence is used by one partner to exert power and control on the other.
The truth of teen dating abuse is generally unknown for a variety of reasons. Teens may be peer pressured to stay quiet or due to inexperience, may not understand what exactly is happening. Also, they may have a strong desire to experience love along with exercising freedom from parents.
Teen conceptions of romantic relationships can contribute to dating abuse. Teen males may think that they have authority in the relationship and deserve physical interaction. Male teenagers are also under extreme peer pressure from other males. Young women on the other hand may perceive the abuse as a form of romance and that it is their responsibility to resolve relationship issues.
There are numerous indicators that point to teen dating abuse beyond conventional signs of injury. Difficulties in school such as poor grades or flagging attendance are noticeable signals. Severe emotional shifts and a desire to only be alone are red flags, along with experimentation with alcohol and drugs.
Incidents of abuse from verbal to sexual tend to happen most often in one of the partner’s homes. Out of teen women ages 14 to 17, in one survey, 40 percent said they are acquainted with someone that has been a victim of abuse. In another, 60 percent of women ages 15 to 24 were currently in a relationship in which violence was used.
There are effective precautions for teens to take to avoid violent situations such as double dating and alerting a friend or family of their whereabouts. In times of discomfort teens should excuse themselves quickly. If something does occur, parents or authority figures should be notified immediately.
