Preventing teen dating violence

Brady's Roadhouse

Domestic violence is not to be taken lightly. Domestic violence is a serious issue that deserves a serious attitude. Though it seems as if it could never happen to you, it’s crucial to be aware of the issue. Although it may be hard to see, there could be someone close to you that is experiencing abuse. 

Domestic violence is the use of physical force or power on others that has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, psychological harm or deprivation. It can range from physical abuse, to physicological abuse, to sexual abuse.

Some important questions to ask yourself to evaluate your relationships are, 

Do you feel nervous around your partner?

Do you feel pressured when it comes to sex or things related to sex?

Do you feel as though you need to constantly explain yourself to your partner?

Depending on your response, this could lead to seriously questioning if you are in an abusive relationship or not. You are not alone.

Domestic violence occurs within all racial, economic, educational, and religious backgrounds,” according to peacefromdv.org. 

“Roughly 1.5 million high school boys and girls in the U.S. admit to being intentionally hit or physically harmed in the last year by someone they are romantically involved with,” as stated in 11 Facts About Teen Dating Violence, by dosomething.org.

 They also state, “Only 1/3 of the teens who were involved in an abusive relationship confided in someone about the violence.”

“I didn’t know it was abusive until after the relationship had ended. It wasn’t until I looked back on everything and saw the abuse. By that point, I was ashamed rather than fearful. I knew I had many people to talk to and I think a lot of teens do too. The atmosphere is safe when you have the right people in it. It’s finding those people that is hard,” states Maria Hanni, sophomore biblical ministries studies major. 

“Domestic violence does not discriminate. It can happen to anyone and there is help available for victims of violence,” according to www.peacefromdv.org.

For more information, you can visit www.peacefromdv.org and you can contact 724-852-2463 for the Greene County emergency hotline services.