Stay Informed

Youth dating violence and intimate partner abuse among teenagers and adolescents is happening right here in the Central Valley. This might seem like an issue affecting only others, but an open conversation with your child might reveal that they have been a witness or victim to these issues.

Youth dating violence is a pattern of behavior that includes physical, emotional, verbal or sexual abuse used by one person in an intimate relationship to exert power and control over another. This usually grows gradually, in the relationship, over time but shouldn’t be dismissed as something children “grow out of”. Every relationship is different, but many times this abuse can include the following:

• name calling
• shaming
• isolation
• control over social media and friendships
• sexual coercion
• minimizing on the part of the abuser
• extreme jealousy
• fear
• guilt

All relationships are at risk for intimate partner abuse, whether it be a heterosexual relationship, homosexual relationship or even just a friendship. However, LGBTQ youth show significantly higher rates of dating violence. Approximately 43% of LGBTQ youth reported being physically abused by partners, and the rates of sexual victimization hover above 23%, which is almost double heterosexual youth rates (Urban Institute, 2013).

Many times, the reason young people stay in these relationships stems from what they view as normal. Half of the girls whose mothers are battered will become abusive conversely; men and young boys who are physically abused are three times more likely to become violent offenders. There is hope to escape an abusive relationship, and it begins with communication.

The Marjaree Mason Center KNOW MORE youth dating violence program is a resource for victims and their caretakers. If you or someone you know is involved in an abusive relationship call our 24/7 confidential hotline at 559.233.HELP. For more information visit the KNOW MORE website at knowmoremmc.org.