February Is Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month
One in three adolescents in the U.S. is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal abuse from a dating partner. Know the signs of abuse:
- Checking cell phone, emails, or social networks without permission
- Extreme jealousy or insecurity
- Constant belittling or put-downs
- Explosive temper
- Isolation from family and friends
- Making false accusations
- Constant mood swings
- Physically inflicting pain or hurt in any way
- Possessiveness
- Regularly telling someone what to do
- Repeatedly pressuring someone to have sex
If you are worried about your teen, yourself, or a friend, call the National Dating Abuse Helpline at 1-866-331-9474 or text “love is” to 22522.
from the Old St. Mary’s Domestic Violence Ministry