The statistics are startling: one in three teens in the United States will experience physical, sexual or emotional abuse by a relationship partner. February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM), and Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin is reminding teens that everyone deserves a safe and healthy relationship.
While abuse affects people of all ages, genders and demographics, studies show that young women are disproportionately affected by dating violence and sexual abuse. In fact, girls and young women between the ages of 16 and 24 experience the highest rate of intimate partner violence – almost triple the national average.
"Unfortunately no one is immune to dating violence – abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, orientation, or background," said Attorney General Kilmartin. "Abuse happens far too often and its effects can last long after the relationship is over, which is why it is important to bring this issue into the spotlight. This year's TDVAM theme is 'Love = Setting Boundaries,' so I am talking to teens about how setting boundaries can help them feel safer and more empowered in their relationships."
According to data from the Love Is Respect campaign, nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a single year. One in three adolescents in the U.S. is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner, a figure that far exceeds rates of other types of youth violence. One in 10 high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend. One quarter of high school girls have been victims of physical or sexual abuse.
Throughout the month, Attorney General Kilmartin will be using Twitter (@AGKilmartin) to start discussions on the issue of teen dating violence, offer resources for additional information, and to hopefully spark conversations between parents and teens on what is a healthy relationship.
Abusive relationships in adolescence can have serious ramifications for victims; many will continue to be abused in their adult relationships and are at a higher risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual behavior and suicide. The best step a community can take is to address abuse amongst youth and teach teens the right thing to do. Patterns of dating violence often start early and carry through into adult relationships, and the severity of violence among dating partners has been shown to increase if the pattern has been established in adolescence.
Attorney General Kilmartin has created a web page with local and national resources for victims, tips on abuse prevention and public service announcements to raise awareness on the prevalence of teen dating abuse. Please visit www.riag.ri.gov for more information.