Understanding Youth Violence
Youth violence refers to the intentional use of physical force or power by youth against another person or group that is likely to result in injury or death.
Youth violence is the second leading cause of death for young people between the ages of 10 and 24. Each year, about 5600 youth homicides occur in the United States. –via CDC.gov
Quadro de Alexandre Louis Leloir (1865)
Signs of Dating Violence
Dating violence is a type of intimate partner violence. It occurs between two people in a close relationship. The nature of dating violence can be physical, emotional, or sexual.
Physical
—This occurs when a partner is pinched, hit, shoved, or kicked.
Emotional
—This means threatening a partner or harming his or her sense of self-worth. Examples include name calling, shaming, bullying, embarrassing on purpose, or keeping him/her away from friends and family.
Sexual
—This is forcing a partner to engage in a sex act when he or she does not or cannot consent.
Stalking
—This refers to a pattern of harassing or threatening tactics used by a perpetrator that is both unwanted and causes fear in the victim. Dating violence can take place in person or electronically, such as repeated texting or posting sexual pictures of a partner online. Unhealthy relationships can start early and last a lifetime. Dating violence often starts with teasing and name calling. These behaviors are often thought to be a “normal” part of a relationship. But these behaviors can lead to more serious violence like physical assault and rape. Dating violence is a serious problem in the United States. Many teens do not report it because they are afraid to tell friends and family.
Dating violence can have a negative effect on health throughout life in school, work and future relationships… Studies show that people who harm their dating partners are more depressed and are more aggressive than peers. Other factors that increase risk of dating violence:
- Trauma symptoms
- Alcohol or drug use
- Having a friend involved in dating violence
- Having problem behaviors in other areas
- Jealousy or possessive behavior
- controlling behavior
- verbal abuse
- threats to harm you, family, friend, or pets
- other mental illnesses
- Belief that dating violence is acceptable
- Exposure to harsh parenting
- Exposure to inconsistent discipline
- Lack of parental supervision, monitoring, and warmth
*Note: These are just some risk factors. To learn more, go to www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention.
Statistics
- Approximately 9% of high school students report being hit, slapped, or physically hurt on purpose by a boyfriend or girlfriend in the 12 months before surveyed.
- Among adult victims of rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner, 22.4% of women and 15.0% of men first experienced some form of partner violence between 11 and 17 years of age.
How can dating violence be prevented?
If you are a victim of abuse, know when to leave and let go of abusive situations. If you are the abuser, know when to leave, let go, and seek help. Recognize the signs mentioned above, tell a trustworthy person and seek professional help. Below are some helpful resources:
National Dating Abuse Helpline
1-866-331-9474 or text 77054
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
National Sexual Violence Resource Center
References
www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention
*This is not an attempt at counseling. Please seek professional help at the contact provided above. If there is an emergency please deal 911.
