Saturday, August 3, 2013

Special Education Saturday - 1 in 3 Teens Experience Dating Violence

Recent studies have revealed that 1 in three teens report they have been the victim of dating violence, with an equal amount reporting they have been perpetrators. These percentages are even higher when one of the parties has a disability.

The aggression can be sexual, physical, or emotional. What can you do to protect your teen? Begin with prevention:

  • Explain that students who bully others are more likely to engage in dating violence than those who don't. 
  • Build a good communication system so your child can confide in you
  • Demonstrate and discuss aspects of positive relationships
You should also be alert to the signs your child is involved in an unsafe relationship:
  • Suspicious bruises or injuries
  • Failing grades
  • Loss of interest in preferred activities
  • Making excuses for the other person's behavior
  • Needing to respond immediately to calls/texts from the partner
  • Fearfulness of the dating partner
  • A significant age difference (3+ years)
Things to look for in potential perpetrators:
  • Insults dating partners
  • Controls dress or actions of the partner
  • Loses temper easily
  • Monitors partner through technology
  • Threatens to hurt the partner if he or she leaves

How do you protect your child from dating violence?

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