For many, the topic of dating violence is one that raises feelings of discomfort. It is a secret that is often swept under the rug; out of sight, out of mind.
However, it is a topic, really a public health issue that is truly ubiquitous. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men will experience physical, emotional, or verbal abuse in a dating relationship. Even more shocking, nearly half of all female homicide victims were killed by an intimate partner.
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and from a trauma-sensitive lens, it is important to see how this pressing topic affects us and those around us. Below are a few key statistics:
Nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a single year.
1 in 3 girls in the US is a victim of physical, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner, a figure that far exceeds rates of other types of youth violence.
1 in 10 high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend.
Only 33% of teens who were in an abusive relationship ever told anyone about the abuse.
81% of parents believe teen dating violence is not an issue or admit they don’t know if it’s an issue.
Need Support?
Based on the statistics alone, it’s clear that teen dating violence is an important issue with veins that run deep in our culture. Contact us today to learn more about mental health support for youth who have been impacted by the trauma of teen dating violence.
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