Warning: This article includes references to abusive relationships and abuse that may be upsetting to some readers. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) is a 24/7 confidential resource hotline that provides emotional support, support groups, local resources, safety plans, etc. for survivors of abuse or concerned friends or family members. Contact NDVH at (800) 799-7233, by texting “START” to 88788, or online chat at https://www.thehotline.org/.
Disclaimer: The author of this article is not a licensed mental health professional.
By Sara Angus
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. According to Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, “1 in 3 U.S. teens will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they’re in a relationship with before they become adults.” To address this issue, it is important to understand what abuse is, how to identify abuse in a relationship, as well as understand the impact it has on mental health and general education to reduce stigmatization of speaking up about teen dating violence.
What is Teen Dating Violence?
Teen dating violence includes any form of abuse (emotional, physical, sexual, stalking, etc.) that occurs between adolescents, or teens, in a relationship. Repeated violent acts or a pattern of violence is considered abuse. This may include hitting, slapping, yelling/screaming, grabbing, pushing/shoving, obstructing exit paths, threatening to harm themselves or others, and much more. It is important to remember that any kind of relationship or partner can be abusive; any gender can be the victim of violence or abuse. According to the National Institute of Justice, teens who identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community are at “higher risk for dating violence compared to heterosexual and cisgender youth.” It can be difficult to understand if an individual, or yourself, is experiencing teen dating violence. Here are ways to identify violence in relationships.
Identifying Violent Relationships
Every relationship looks different, even for each partner. This can make identifying signs of abuse difficult. Common forms of violence in teen dating may include various forms of manipulation and need for control. George Mason University lists some of the most common ways partners initiate violence in teen dating; for example, isolating their partner from their friends and family, constantly monitoring locations or activities, extreme temper/moodiness, unwanted sexual contact, invasion of their partner’s privacy, and much more.
Impact of Violence on Mental Health
When in an abusive relationship, it can feel like you are all alone. It is important to understand the impacts of such abuse on the mental health of individuals. The CDC lists behaviors and symptoms that may occur for teens in a violent relationship: depression, anxiety, unhealthy relationship to drugs/alcohol, antisocial tendencies, or thoughts of suicide. These impacts can be long-lasting and devastating. One difficult aspect of abusive partners is that they attempt to make their partner reliant on them so they feel they cannot leave them.
According to MyPlan, abusers can use various forms of economic and dependency tactics in order to keep control over their partner. This can make it especially difficult to get out of the relationship.
How to Help
To start, there is always the National Domestic Violence Hotline as well as a variety of support groups and therapy options. However, these are not always the best options for victims of abuse and violence. There are a few important things to keep in mind when supporting a loved one who might be in an abusive relationship. OneLove recommends that when having these conversations, it is important to be calm, supportive, and friendly. These feelings can be difficult to name and confront so this may take more time for some than others. In general, let them know that you are there for them and that they can come to you at any time.T
Sara Angus is an undergraduate student at Michigan State University with a passion for supporting mental health. She is a children’s book author who enjoys baking in her spare time. Inspired by NAMI’s commitment to mental health support, Sara volunteers with their support groups to make a meaningful impact.