How common is dating violence? More common than one might think.  According to Break The Cycle, approximately 1 in 3 high school students experience physical or sexual violence, or as well as both. Overall in most cases, people who have experienced sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking/invasion mostly have had these incidents happen before the age of 25. Dating violence can affect anybody regardless of race, sexuality, background, overall just as to who a person is. 

Dating violence happens to many people, which some may not realize is happening to them, indicating that it is important to know what is, and what is not a healthy relationship. Now, how does one protect themselves from such a case? Some warning signs are given by, DomesticShelters, is that your partner is very controlling with personal belongings (such as passwords, social media, text messages, etc..), threats, unneeded guilt, physical aggression/violence. These things are a few warning signs that may be ignored by people who are suffering, or may not realize yet. 

Abusive relationships of any sort are both dangerous and unhealthy, as well as hard to get out of. Domestic Violence Services reported that in 2019, around 33% of teens who were in any sort of abusive relationship ever reached out to others for help or spoke up about they had to endure. 

It is important for parents and guardians to teach their kids about how they should treat others, as well as how they should be treated. Teen Dating Violence Statistics reported that 81% of parents, as of 2019, don’t believe teen dating violence is much of an issue nor do some like to admit it. This is concerning as teenagers are most likely to turn to their parents when they’re having a problem, such as problems with their relationships. Parents need to understand that dating violence is a very serious issue, meaning it’s important to ask how their kids are doing if they’re being safe while in a relationship and treating others appropriately as well. 

Reaching out is difficult. Many teenagers, and others, may have a lot of trouble opening up to someone as to what they’re going through because it’s scary for them. Some people don’t realize that they are being mistreated or mistreating others as well, which is why it’s important to have conversations about dating with kids at a young age. As well as to assure them that there is always going to be someone who is going to be there for them and listen to them when they are in trouble. 

Dating violence doesn’t only affect people physically, but mentally/emotionally as well. In fact, people who are in an abusive relationship of some sort are more likely to attempt suicide. Abusive relationships have an impact on mental health that results in people having these negative emotions and thoughts. This can lead people to be at more risk for depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and possible suicide attempts. 

It is so important to reach out if you or someone you know are struggling in an unhealthy relationship, https://www.thehotline.org/ is a fantastic website to reach out to as they have online chats and different phone numbers depending on disability or language. 

Works Cited

“How Common is Dating Abuse?” [“How Common is Dating Abuse?”]. Break The Cycle, 2014, www.breakthecycle.org/how-common-dating-abuse. Accessed 8 Jan. 2020.

“Teen Dating Violence Statistics ” [“Teen Dating Violence Statistics “]. DVS, 2019, www.dvs-or.org/teen-dating-violence-statistics-2019. Accessed 7 Jan. 2020.