Dating is a normal part of life for many teenagers, but unfortunately, so is dating violence. Raising awareness during the month of February provides an opportunity to potentially prevent instances of Teen Dating Violence (TDV) and keep teens and parents/guardians conscious of the consequences.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Youth Risk Behavior Survey and the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, 26 percent of women and 15 percent of men are reported to have been victims of domestic violence before the age of 18.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Fast Facts: Preventing Teen Dating Violence explains that TDV can include physical violence, sexual violence, psychological aggression, or stalking, and can set the stage for future instances of domestic violence in adulthood.
Winnemucca Domestic Violence Services was contacted for local insight, but was unavailable for comment by press time.
When asked about the prevalence of dating violence reported to staff at Lowry High School (LHS), Principal Ray Parks explained in an email that the number of reported instances are very low, but “[LHS fears] that it is an underreported statistic.”
Knowing the signs of TDV is a major step in preventing it, as well as getting teens experiencing violence the help they need. Some of the signs associated with TDV are: using insults, intimidation, or humiliation, extreme jealousy, insecurity, or presenting controlling behavior, isolation from friends and family, unwanted sexual contact of any kind, explosive anger or unusual moodiness, constant monitoring (including on social media activities or of location), invasions of privacy like showing up unannounced or leaving unwanted items like gifts, or flowers, abusing alcohol or drugs, or threatening or causing physical violence (including leaving scratches and bruises).
“I think that all adults and especially parents and guardians of teenagers should have a general awareness of the signs associated with teen dating violence through research and/or discussions with their teenager, and [should] use the school as a source of assistance,” said Parks.
Discussing what TDV is with young people is likely not an easy conversation, but is necessary in order for teens to understand that it is a possibility, it is not right, and there is help available. Parent/guardian intervention can help teens avoid or heal from devastating situations of TDV.
The CDC reports that teens that experience TDV are more likely to experience mental health crisis, cope with tobacco, drugs, alcohol, or other unhealthy behaviors, exhibit antisocial behaviors, including lying, stealing, bullying, or physical violence, and most concerning—develop suicidal ideation.
“Teen dating violence can be prevented through very frank and very open discussions between teenagers and their parents/guardians in a setting where teenagers feel safe and respected enough to speak freely about the very difficult issues and complexities that they are facing each day—especially if they are dealing with a teen dating violence situation,” said Parks.
Discussions like these should start at home, but counselors and social workers at LHS are available to help navigate the complexities of TDV.
“I do feel very strongly that Lowry High School has a very motivated, highly trained and compassionate staff—especially our school counselors and our school social worker—to assist students and parents with the issues associated with teen dating violence,” explained Parks.
For resources to help prevent dating violence, visit the CDC website and search “dating violence.”