This is a heartbreaking, painfully essential, topic that I am so glad has been brought to the forefront.

February is TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

 

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I am sure that my family and friends are not the only ones who have been affected by Domestic Violence, and the devastating effects it has on the emotional, psychological, financial and social well-being of all those involved.

 

Please take a moment to check out these FACTS regarding Teen Dating Violence (TDV) and the resources provided.

Most of all, if you or someone you know is currently in need, please reach out and utilize the websites and phone numbers listed below.

 

TEEN DATING VIOLENCE is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about.

 

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“1 in 5 teens in a dating relationship report being hit, slapped, or pushed by their partner.”

LoveIsRespect.org

 

Your safety, health and well being are the most important issues.

 

You are not alone and your journey does not end here.

 
FACTS About Teen Dating Violence:

***Young people, Age 12-19, have the highest rates of RAPE and Sexual Assault

***1 in 3 Adolescent Girls in the U.S. is the victim of Physical, Emotional or Verbal Abuse from a dating partner

 

 

***Teenagers, Age 18 and 19, experience the highest rates of STALKING

 

 

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What Are The Warning Signs of Teen Dating Violence??

 

Physical Violence…..                                                    teen1

1. Pinching
2. Shoving
3. Hitting or Slapping
4. Grabbing
5. Kicking
6. Throwing
7. Shaking
8. Choking

 

 
Sexual Violence……

young girl is a victim of abduction and is seeking for help.Image with very Shallow Depth of Field

1. Unwanted Touching….Fondling….Groping
2. Forced Sexual Activity
3. Pressure to Have Sex
4. Violence That Does Not Involve Physical Contact
a. Verbal or Sexual Harassment
b. Threats of Sexual Violence
c. Threatening to Find Someone Who Will Do What He or She
Wants Sexually
Emotional Abuse…..                                                      teen4

1. Name-calling/Shouting/Bullying/Teasing
2. Intimidation/Demeaning/Derogatory
3. Insults/Rumors/Threats/Accusations
4. Jealousy/Humiliation/Withdrawal of Attention
5. Controlling Behavior….dictating what partner wears, eats, etc.
6. Isolation from Friends and Family
7. Texting or IM/DM Constantly
8. Monitoring email or profile on social media

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Consequences of Teen Dating Violence Are Vast and Detrimental to Many Aspects of Life……

****Depression
****Suicide Attempts
****Decline in Academics/Delinquency/Failing Out of School
****Drug Abuse
****Physical Fighting

 

What Can We Do???

 

If any of these characteristics ring true to you as a Victim or Perpetrator, please seek ASSISTANCE IMMEDIATELY!!!!

 

 

For Assistance With Shelter, Legal Expertise, Emotional/Psychological/Social Support, PLEASE CONTACThttp://houseofruthinc.org/home

1. House of Ruth Hotline:

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24/7 Hotline: 1-877-988-5559

 

 

2. Crisis Text Line

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24/7…..CONFIDENTIAL

http://www.crisistextline.org

TEXT “GO” to 741-741

 

 

3. TEEN LINE ONLINE

 

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Teens Helping Teens!!!

https://teenlineonline.org/

TEXT “TEEN” to 839863
5:30-9:30 PST

Call (310) 855-HOPE or (800) TLC-TEEN (nationwide toll-free) from 6pm to 10pm PST.
4. Love Is Respect

 

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Call: 1.866.331.9474 | TTY: 1.866.331.8453 | Text: loveis to 22522
Chat 24/7/365

www.loveisrespect.org
5. The National Domestic Violence Hotline

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http://www.thehotline.org/

1-800-799-7233 | 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)

 

 

**********TO ANYONE IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE FROM AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP. IF YOU FEAR THAT YOUR COMPUTER IS BEING MONITORED, PLEASE UTILIZE THE PHONE NUMBERS LISTED ABOVE OR CONTACT http://www.thehotline.org TO CHAT ‘OFF LINE‘ **************

PLEASE SHARE this critical information to everyone and anyone you think may be in need.
As Always,

Take care. Be well. Be safe.
Lisa Whitty Bradley, M.D., FACS
CEO & Founder
Chicks With MDs
www.chickswithmds.com

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Domestic Violence & Advocacy Ministry at West Point
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House of Ruth, Inc.

References:

http://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/…/factsheets-teen-d…/…

http://www.liveyourdream.org/…/endi…/teen-dating-abuse.html…

http://houseofruthinc.org/teen-dating-violence

https://teenlineonline.org/
http://www.loveisrespect.org/resources/teendvmonth/