Teen Dating Violence is a Public Health Crisis

In a 2016 national survey on Teen Relationships and Intimate Violence, 69% of 12 - 18 year old youth reported current or past relationship violence victimization, and 63% relationship violence perpetration. A recent study published by the American Medical Association confirms these statistics and furthers the conversation about Intimate Partner Homicides in Adolescents.

Overwhelmingly, violence in a teen relationship is caused by jealousy, or due to a broken or desired relationship. Teen dating violence includes behaviors such as psychological or emotional abuse, sexual violence, and physical violence.

Prevention education is necessary to end this crisis. Teaching preteens and teens what emotional violence looks like is where prevention can begin. Physical and sexual violence might occur, but teen dating violence is typically more subtle than that. It is a partner using put downs, verbal abuse and calling them names. It is feeling isolated from family and friends. It is constant phone calls and text messages checking in on location. Emotional abuse can be difficult to identify which is why prevention education must take place in schools and youth community organizations.

This past June, Huffington Post published an article focusing on the issue of teen dating violence and prevention education. This article is an important read for parents, teachers, counselors, health-care providers, and legislators. Every community needs to be educated on the severity of this issue and how we can all work together to prevent the violence before it starts. To read the article, visit this link.
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Jana's Campaign provides prevention education in elementary, middle, and high schools, and youth organizations to reduce gender and relationship violence by promoting healthy relationship behaviors to ultimately create a culture of strong respect among adolescents. Utilizing prevention programs, including curricular and co-curricular activities, we raise awareness of the underlying causes by highlighting the ‘red flags’ of dating relationships to ultimately stop violence before it starts. Contact us at 785-656-0324 or [email protected] to get started today.

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