The month of February is designated as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, an issue that affects too many people across the United States, including Maverick County.
Teen dating violence is a big issue that affects youth in every community across the nation. lt is estimated that almost 1.6 million high school students will suffer physical abuse at the hands of a dating partner in any single year.
MCHD Teen Pregnancy Program Director Yaraida Diaz states that the problem is seen in our community and we must do everything we can to confront it. National statistics show that across the U.S., one out of every three adolescents have been a victim of physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner. This figure exceeds any other rate of youth on youth violence.
Reports show that one in 10 high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend at some point in time. Violence by an intimate partner is ranked at an almost triple the national average among girls and young women between the ages ot 16 and 24.
Studies show that the severity of intimate partner violence is often greater seen in cases which the pattern of abuse was established in the adolescence stages. National statistics show that approximately 43% of college dating women have reported experiencing some type of violent and abusive dating behaviors. The statistics state one in six (16%) college women has been sexually abused in a dating relationship.
The month of February is dedicated to bringing as much awareness to Teen Dating violence and its important to recognize the long lasting effects of such social ills. Violent relationships during adolescence can have serious consequences that often put the victims at higher risk of substance abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual behavior, and further domestic violence as adults.
IF YOU BELIEVE THAT YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS SUFFERING FROM TEEN DATING VIOLENCE OR ABUSE, PLEASE CONTACT US AT: (830) 757-4900 OR (830) 757-4901.
January 14, 2020
