A problem in this and other communities is the focus of February, declared “Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month” by the Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (DART), according to Annie Goods, Winn Parish rural advocate.

“Dating violence is when someone you are seeing romantically hurts you in some way, whether physically, sexually or emotionally,” she says. “Some 1 in 12 high school students experience such dating violence.”
The advocate asserts that unhealthy, abusive or violent relationships can have negative effects that can be both short- and long-term, possibly with severe consequences. Victims of teen dating violence are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, engage in unhealthy behavior (tobacco use, alcohol and drugs), think about suicide or exhibit antisocial behavior (lying, theft, bullying).

“We can help reduce teen dating violence by supporting healthy, nonviolence relationships,” suggests Goods. “During the pre-teen and teen years, it is critical for youth to begin learning skills to create and maintain healthy relationships. This could include managing feelings and communication in a healthy way.”

Goods explains that it is difficult to tell a teen the differences between healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationships. Warning signs of abuse might be displayed through the teen’s actions of possessiveness, constant put-downs, demands, jealousy or insecurity, explosive temper, isolation, false accusations and mood swings.