February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and we're spreading awareness, fostering healthy relationships, and empowering parents and teens to recognize the signs of dating violence. Navigating the complex landscape of relationships can be challenging, and it's crucial to be aware of the warning signs that indicate a shift from healthy to potentially harmful dynamics.

Did you know that 33% of teens who were in a violent relationship never told anyone about the abuse? 81% of parents believe teen dating violence is not an issue or admit they don’t know if it’s an issue. The majority of abusive partners had committed their first act of intimate partner violence by the time they were 15 years old. Educate yourself and your teen(s) on what abuse is and what it looks like so you both can identify it. 

It's important to acknowledge that relationships exist on a spectrum. While some behaviors may be considered normal or acceptable to some extent, it's crucial to identify when these behaviors become detrimental to your well-being. 

Warning Signs for Teens:

• Privacy Invasion: A healthy relationship respects boundaries, and any partner who consistently checks your phone, email, or social media accounts is exhibiting concerning behavior. 

• Verbal Abuse: Frequent belittling or putting you down, especially in front of others, is a clear sign of an unhealthy dynamic.

• Isolation Tactics: Partners who intentionally isolate you from friends or family, physically, financially, or emotionally, are displaying controlling behavior.

• Jealousy and Insecurity: Extreme jealousy or insecurity can lead to toxic dynamics, fostering an environment of mistrust and tension.

• Explosive Outbursts: Unpredictable mood swings, explosive temper tantrums, or extreme mood shifts can indicate underlying issues that a partner needs to work on with professional guidance. 

• Physical Harm: Any form of physical harm, whether it be hitting, slapping, or any other violent actions, is a severe warning sign and should never be tolerated.

• Possessiveness and Control: If your partner displays possessive or controlling behavior, dictating your actions, whereabouts, or choices, that is a clear indication of an unhealthy power dynamic.

• Sexual Pressure or Coercion: Pressuring or forcing you to engage in sexual activities against your will is a serious violation of consent and a red flag for an unhealthy relationship.

Recognizing the Signs: Educating yourself and others about these warning signs is crucial to help recognize when a relationship may be veering into harmful territory. Understanding that these behaviors are unacceptable and being willing to address them is the first step toward fostering healthier connections.

Seek Support: If you find yourself experiencing any of these warning signs, it's essential to reach out for support.  If you or someone you know is facing challenges in their relationship, reach out to us by phone 260-456-4112 or prevention@centerfornv.org. Check out Love is Respect for more resources. 

By being aware of these warning signs, individuals can empower themselves to make informed choices about their relationships. Everyone deserves to be in a relationship built on trust, respect, and communication.

A guide for talking to teens: 

Navigating the world of teenage relationships can be challenging for parents and teens. As adolescents explore and develop their identities, engaging in open and thoughtful conversations about what constitutes a healthy relationship becomes crucial. Here are some strategies to help you guide your teens in understanding and fostering healthy connections with others.

• Start Early: The foundation for understanding healthy relationships begins early on. Engage your children in age-appropriate discussions about friendship, respect, and communication from a young age. This sets the stage for more complex conversations as they enter their teenage years.

• Modeling Healthy Relationships in Your Life: Children often learn by example. Demonstrate healthy communication, respect, and cooperation in your own relationships. Your actions speak louder than words; modeling these behaviors can profoundly impact your teen's understanding of a healthy relationship.

• Encouraging Open, Honest, Thoughtful Dialogue: Create a safe space for your teen to express themselves without judgment. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings and be genuinely interested in what they say. This establishes a foundation for open communication, making it easier for them to come to you with questions or concerns.

• Dialogues Over Directives: Avoid dictating what your teen should think or feel. Instead, engage in dialogues, allowing them to explore and formulate their ideas about healthy relationships. Ask open-ended questions, listen actively, and guide them through self-reflection rather than providing direct answers.

• Boundaries and Respect for Self and Others: Discuss the importance of boundaries and self-respect. Ask questions like, "What do you like most about yourself?" and "How can you show respect to yourself?" Help them identify personal boundaries and discuss effective ways to communicate and enforce them in relationships.

• Understanding the Pressures Teens Face: Recognize the daily external pressures and influences teens encounter. Rather than immediately prohibiting media or other content that you find objectionable, create teachable moments by using examples from TV shows, movies, songs, or community events to illustrate healthy and unhealthy relationships. This makes the conversation more relatable and helps them navigate real-life situations.

• Signs of a Healthy Relationship: Guide your teen in recognizing the key elements of a healthy relationship, such as respect, equality, trust, good communication, and honesty. Discuss these aspects and help them understand why they are important for a strong and positive connection with others.

You Will Make Mistakes – And That's Okay! Acknowledge that discussing relationships with your teen may not always go smoothly. Mistakes are part of the learning process for you and your teen. Be patient, and go easy on yourself. Be willing to acknowledge mistakes you’ve made or learned from, apologize if necessary, and use any misstep as opportunities for growth.  Apologize if necessary, and use any missteps as opportunities for growth.

Navigating conversations about healthy relationships with your teen requires patience, empathy, and a commitment to fostering open communication. By following these strategies, you can help them build the skills needed to form and maintain positive connections throughout their lives.