Dating violence may be more common than you think, especially among teens and young adults. One in three U. S. teens will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they're in a relationship with before becoming adults. Each February, young adults and loved ones come together to raise awareness about teen dating violence through Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. This annual, month long effort focuses on advocacy and education to stop dating abuse before it starts.
As a parent, a mentor, or a community member, how can you start a conversation with a teen in your life? We're going to give you some tips and key conversation starters.
First, start the conversation with asking a teen, What do you think a healthy relationship looks like? Have them describe some characteristics of a healthy relationship. Understanding where they're at. Is a great way to start an effective conversation.
Some other key points could be:
You have the right to be treated with respect, acceptance, trust, and unconditional love within your relationship. If your partner tries to minimize your needs or violates the boundaries you established, then they aren't showing you the respect and trustworthiness you deserve.
It is not okay for a partner to check your phone, share private photos of you, call you names, control your friendships, use physical violence, or threaten you.
What you do with your body should always be your choice. If your partner does not support you, or the choices you make for your body, it may be worth considering whether your relationship is healthy or not.
You have the power to write your story from beginning to end. Don't ever let anyone take that away from you. Talk to them about consent. And what that means within a relationship, not just outside of one.
A healthy relationship is built on trust and honesty and respect. It's about open communication and setting boundaries.
Together we can build healthy relationships and end dating abuse before it even begins. Everyone deserves love that uplifts them and respects them. We encourage you to reach out to local agencies in your area for any support you may need. If you're in Carson City, Nevada, or surrounding areas, come visit Xquisite. Xquisite is providing a safe community and environment for youth in our area to come and have these conversations and learn what it means to have a healthy relationship.
You can learn more and reach out to us at Xquisite. org