February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month – help raise awareness about abuse in teen and early 20-something relationships. According to the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (2018) “approximately 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner.” Additionally, loveisrespect.org (2019) noted that “nearly half (43%) of dating college women reported experiencing violent and abusive dating behaviors.” Teen dating violence (TDV) can take many different forms – from verbal, emotional, physical, sexual, and now more than ever, digital. Whether it be abuse itself or threats of abuse, teens deserve and need support from the community.
As do many victims of abuse, many of these teens and young adults will blame themselves. They may think they did something to be treated poorly. These repeated exposures to abusive tendencies will have lasting consequences. Those who experience violence in relationships are more likely to suffer from long-term behavioral and health consequences, including suicide attempts, eating disorders, and drug use. Additionally, those who experience abuse in a teen or young adult relationship are often more prone to carry these patterns of abuse into future relationships. Those who are abused may be more likely to think that this is just a normal part of relationships and may be uncertain of what to expect in or how to manage healthy relationships
That is why the community needs to step up to raise awareness and offer support to those who are suffering from abuse. The Center for Behavioral Health is here to lend a helping hand to any of those whom are suffering from abuse. Our caring and compassionate clinicians are here to offer an ear to listen to while also providing coping mechanisms for those who need them. If you are suffering from abuse, please reach out. Call the Center for Behavioral Health (502-792-7011) and take the first step in breaking the cycle!
“Survivors of abuse show us the strength of their personal spirit every time they smile.”
― Jeanne McElvaney, Healing Insights: Effects of Abuse for Adults Abused as Children
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