Dating Abuse

FACTS
1 in 3 teens are abused in a relationship.
Only 33% of teens in an abusive relationship reported the abuse.
Teen victims of dating violence are more likely to abuse drugs, have eating disorders, and attempt suicide.
Dating violence is the leading cause of injury to young women.
About 40% of teenage girls 14 to 17 say they know someone their age who has been hit or beaten by a boyfriend.
Approximately 68% of young women rape victims knew their rapists either as a boyfriend, friend, or casual acquaintance.
Females 20-24 are at the greatest risk for intimate partner violence.

SIGNS OF AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP
Any kind of physical violence or the threat of physical violence.
Emotional or mental abuse (i.e.: mind games, making you feel crazy, yelling at you, criticizing you, putting you down).
Sexual abuse (i.e.: forcing you into any type of sexual activity, refusing safe sex, making you feel bad about yourself sexually).

PHYSICAL EFFECTS OF ABUSE
42% of women and 20% of abused men sustaing the following injuries:
Scratches
Bruises
Swelling
Lesions
Cuts
Broken Bones
Gynecological Injuries

PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Depression and Anxiety
Suicidal Behavior
Low Self-Esteem
Sleep Disturbances
Inability to Concentrate

SOCIAL EFFECTS
Controlled access to services meant to help the victim.
Isolation from family, friends, and supportive individuals.
Changes in behavior at school

HOW TO HELP SOMEONE BEING ABUSED
Speak Up - Talk to people if you suspect a friend is being abused or speak to the friend themself.
Be Sensitive - Try to understand their feelings and be respectful to their decision.
Listen - Sometimes just listening and being supportive is best.
Be There For Them - Encourage them to spend time with you, other friends, and family. Get them excited about doing things outside of the relationship.
Connect Them to Resources - Sometimes victims don't realize they are being abused. Send them websites, links, and information.
Stay With Them - If they decide to leave the abuser, be there for them to help them through the process and healing.