For Teens
Teen Dating Violence
What is teen dating violence?
Teen dating violence is the use or threat of violence in a dating relationship. Violence can be physical, emotional, sexual, financial, spiritual, technological, or a combination of these.
What does teen dating violence look like?
- Checking your cell phone or social networking account (such as Instagram, Snapchat, etc.) without permission
- Constant put-downs/name-calling
- Extreme jealousy or insecurity
- Explosive temper
- Financial control
- Isolating you from family or friends
- Mood swings
- Physically hurting you in any way
- Controlling you
- Telling you what to do
What to do if you think you are experiencing teen dating violence:
1. Seek support.
2. Talk to a trusted, safe adult.
3. Contact WEAVE via online chat (lower right hand corner of this site) or call our 24/7 Support & Information Line at 916.920.2952.
4. Check out resources at loveisrespect.org.
5. Call 9-1-1 if you are in immediate danger.
Talk to Someone:
Group and individual counseling covers topics such as healthy relationships, abusive relationships, the impact of media messages on teens, and learning assertive communication. For teens 12 and older parent permission is not required, but preferred.
Healthy Dating
Talk About Healthy Relationships
Healthy Relationships:
- Partners respect each other’s desires to socialize with friends of any gender.
- Partners respect differences of opinion.
- Texts, calls, and social media interactions are opportunities to laugh and get to know each other.
- How partners communicate is based on respect and caring.
- The boundaries of each partner are respected by the other.
Teen Sexual Assault
Sexual Assault is not only rape; it is ANY type of unwanted sexual contact. Everyone has the right to decide what they do or don’t want to do sexually. Not all sexual assaults are violent “attacks”. Forcing or pressuring someone to do something they don’t want to do or don’t consent to is sexual assault.
Additional Resources for Teens
There are many resources for teens seeking help with a domestic violence or sexual assault / harassment situation. The following list will help you find the right resource for the issues you are facing, whatever they may be.
Teen Dating Violence for Parents
Information and Statistics
Recognizing abuse in a relationship is difficult, but especially for teens. There are many types of abuse that teens often believe are normal in a relationship. Even though teen relationships may be different from adult relationships in many ways, teens do experience the same types of physical, sexual, verbal and emotional abuse that adults do.
How to Talk with Your Teen About Dating & Sexual Assault
Date Safe Project
This is a great article from the Date Safe Project on How to Talk with Your Teen. Check it out!
The greatest way a parent can talk with their child about sexual assault is to first know that you – the parent – cannot 100% prevent it from happening to those you love. You CAN share skills and options with your children that can be life-saving. You CAN give them specific “how to” lesson for dating, parties, and healthy relationships. You can teach your child about asking first, respecting boundaries, and letting them know you will ALWAYS be there if anything happens.