As seen on KSEE Channel 24 (Fresno, CA) Central Valley Today October 2, 2007
A Teenager's guide to safe and responsible dating practices.
Download or print the
Dating Rights and
Responsibilities here.
A Parent's guide that shares with parents what dangers are facing their kids and what they can do and teach their kids to do to keep them safer when away from the loving care of adults who truly have their best interests at heart.
View Power Point Slide Show Here
How serious is relationship abuse among teenagers?
Teen relationship abuse is at an epidemic stage across the country.
Nearly 20 per 1000 of young women ages of 16 and 24 are victims of relationship abuse. (Bureau of Justice Special Report: Intimate Partner Violence, May 2000)
About 1 in 3 high school students have been or will be involved in an abusive relationship.
(Bureau of Justice Special Report: Intimate Partner Violence, May 2000)
Is dating violence an issue of ethnicity, economics or something else?
Dating and relationship abuse cross all ethnic and socio-economic boundaries. Most victims
are young women, who are also at greater risk for serious injury.
Teen dating violence is influenced by how teenagers look at themselves and others.
Young men may believe: · They have the right to “control” their female · “Masculinity” is physical aggressiveness · They should demand intimacy · They may lose respect if they are attentive · They possess their partners |
Young women may believe: · They are responsible for solving problems in their relationships · Their boyfriend's jealousy, possessiveness and even physical abuse is “romantic” · Abuse is “normal” because their friends are also being abused · There is no one to ask for help |
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What are the signs that indicate someone is a potentially abusive partner?
Extreme jealousy Controlling behavior
Quick involvement Unpredictable mood swings
Alcohol and drug use Explosive anger
Isolates date from friends and family Uses force during an argument
Shows hypersensitivity Believes in rigid sex roles
Blames others for his problems or feelings Cruel to animals or children
Verbally abusive Abused former partners
Threatens violence
What are the warning signs that a teenager may be in an abusive relationship?
Physical signs of injury
Truancy, dropping out of school
Failing grades
Indecision
Changes in mood or personality
Use of drugs/alcohol
Pregnancy
Emotional outburst
Isolation
[**Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence newsletter, Winter 1999]
What can be done to help prevent teenagers from getting into these kinds of relationships or dating situations?
They can choose better relationships by learning to identify the early warning signs of an abusive relationship.
They can be taught to understand that they have choices, and believe they are valuable people who deserve to be treated with respect.
We can educate them on appropriate Dating Rights & Responsibilities. This list can be found and downloaded on our websites, just 
click here and it will take you right to it.
at http://www.safenetwork.org , also at our Teen website http://www.safeteens101.org
For additional information they can call 800-643-3310 or 559-297-1033
or email us at staff@safenetwork.org