Trauma and Dating Violence Common Among Troubled Teens

Sexual abuse is any type of sexual activity to which you have not consented. It may involve pressure to consent, the use of force, violence, or bodily injuries. Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs and not being able to truly consent to sexual activity is considered sexual assault as well.nnStalking is a more passive violence, but can be just as threatening. This includes someone showing up uninvited, watching or spying on you, tracking your schedule, giving you unwanted gifts, persistent phone calls, and sending threatening e-mails or letters. The disturbing issue with stalking is the constant question of uncertainty or the level of violence and when it could strike.nnThere are a variety of abuses in dating including verbal/emotional abuse, stalking, sexual abuse, and physical abuse. Verbal and emotional abuse can be just as destructive as physical abuse, but not as easy to identify by others. Women are at a greater risk of being assaulted by someone they know rather than a stranger. One in Twelve women are stalked sometime in their life. Some safety tips for dating that may deter this abuse:nn> Try to group date initially when it is with someone newn> Know that constant calling and checking in on you can be a sign of controlling behaviorn> If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, like on a date, leave the situation if possible orcall/text a friendnnWarning Signs of an Abusernn# Extreme jealousyn# Controlling behaviorn# Quick involvementn# Pressure to have sexn# Public embarrassmentn# Withholding moneyn# Intimidation, bullying or threatsn# Criticism or verbal “put-downs”n# Isolation from family and friendsn# Logging into your e-mail and reading itn# Checking sent/received calls on your cell phonennIf you think a friend is in an abusive relationship:nn1.Offer your friendship and supportn2.Let them know that it is not their faultn3.Identify unhealthy actions and behaviorsn4.Encourage them to build a support networkn5.Don’t force them to do somethingn6.Refer them to a crisis hot linen7.Don’t judge and be understandingn8.Be availablen