Dating Violence is Domestic Violence

Whatever you think you may know about domestic violence, you may not realize that dating violence folds up into the umbrella of domestic violence, and many teens and young adults deal with it every day.

Facts Worth Knowing 

For those who believe the problem is being overstated, consider these statistics:

• Dating violence is a serious and growing issue in this country, directly affecting 1.5 million high schoolers annually.
• About one-third of females suffer abuse of some type—verbal, emotional, or physical—from someone they are dating at some point in their lives.
• 10 percent of students in high school report being deliberately harmed physically by someone with whom they are in a romantic relationship.
• Exposure to dating violence can have long-term consequences such as eating disorders, promiscuity, suicidal ideation, violent behaviors, and substance use disorders.
• A quarter of eighth and ninth graders report having suffered dating violence, and nearly ten percent report having experienced sexual abuse.
• The majority of students who report incidents of acquaintance rape say drugs or alcohol were being used at the time of the incident.
• Although as many as 25 percent of college females experience a date-rape, less than five percent report the incident.

Parent Perceptions 

More than eight out of ten parents of teens do not believe teen violence is an issue, or report not knowing much on the subject. This demonstrates how important it is for parents to learn about and intervene with the problem! How?

• Educate your teen about what healthy relationships look like and feel like.
• Model appropriate behavior for teens.
• Teach teens to be assertive and to communicate effectively.
• Discuss warning signs, like jealousy, extreme demands, and controlling behaviors.
• Engage in frequent conversations and provide your teen with information they need to make healthy decisions.
• Encourage teens to share with you when things don’t feel right in their relationships and listen without judgment.
• Be aware of changes in teen behaviors that could signal a problem, such as changes in sleeping habits, grades, mood, and so forth.
• If you suspect a problem, get help.

Helping Young Abusers 

Dating violence involves both victims and abusers.  It may be difficult to imagine your child is a perpetrator of domestic violence, but being aware of the signs and symptoms is so important if negative behavior patterns are to be put to rest. They must learn that abuse is never appropriate or acceptable, and there are better ways to achieve positive relationships than through force and control.  Kids who engage in negative behaviors could benefit from work with a trained therapist or counselor.

When Dating Violence Becomes a Legal Issue 

Dating violence is domestic violence, and it is never acceptable.  If you or your child has been victimized in a situation like this, there are legal interventions that can help.  The experienced Miami domestic violence attorneys at The Law Office of Julia Kefalinos can help.  Schedule a confidential consultation in our Miami office today.