United Way of Morris County News
Recent News
 Teen dating violence does not discriminate. It runs across race, gender, and socioeconomic lines.
February 5, 2007
FACT: One in five teenagers will be physically or sexually assaulted by a dating partner.
RESULT: Dating violence significantly increases the risks of drug abuse, suicide, and other harmful behavior. There are local resources to help.
February 5th begins National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week.
Violence among teen dating partners is a growing problem across America according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. To raise awareness of this issue, the week of February 5, 2007 has been designated by Congress as "National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week."
“It's confusing when someone you care about is loving and fun to be with sometimes but at other times tries to hurt and control you. You can learn to choose relationships that feel right for you. No one deserves to be abused." Jersey Battered Women's Service
Do You Need Help Today? Click here
The Facts are Chilling
Did you know that teens who are part of a violent relationship are more likely to experience violence in their adult relationships? And that violence is most often more severe.
When teens begin dating, they apply the relationship norms they learn watching those in parental roles. Yet, the tragic crime of domestic violence in the United States is often unacknowledged by the public face that our society wears. Behind smiling couples and seemingly carefree children often lurks something "better left unspoken."
The results in many junior high, high schools, and colleges across our nation are alarming:
- One in three female teens in a dating relationship report fearing for their safety.
- One in five teens in a serious relationship report having been hit slapped or pushed by a partner.
- 29% of girls in a relationship report having been pressured to have sex or engage in sex they did not want.
- 40% of teenage girls between the ages or 14-17 report knowing someone their age who has been hit or beaten by a boyfriend.
- 58% of rape victims report having been raped between the ages of 12-24; and, in 9 out of 10 rapes in which the offender was under 18, so was the victim.
- Both victims and abusers attribute the responsibility for violent dating behavior to victims, citing reasons like: provocation by the girl; the victim's personality type; the girl's need for affection; communication problems; and peer group influence.
- If a teenage girl is physically assaulted during an episode of dating violence while in high school, she is statistically much more likely to experience another physical assault during her first year in college.
- Male peer support for violence against women is a constant predictor of male violence within post-secondary educational institutions.
- Between 1993 and 1999, 22% of all homicides of girls ages 16-19 were committed by an intimate partner.
- Patterns of dating violence behavior often start early, increase in severity, and persist in future adult relationships.
Why Does Violence Begin?
According to Jersey Battered Women's Service in Morris County, an abusive relationship involves a pattern of controlling or coercive behavior, which may include physical, sexual, verbal, and/or emotional violence. The motivating factor behind the abuse is to gain power and control over another person.
WARNING SIGNS of a potentially dangerous relationship
- Extreme jealousy
- Possessiveness
- Controlling attitude
- Strict gender roles
- Low self-esteem
- Blaming
- Being overly sensitive
- Explosive anger
- Too much too soon
The Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Initiative
This initiative was spearheaded by teenagers across the nation who chose to take a stand and put a stop to teen dating violence. Initiated in 2004 by the American Bar Association and now supported by dozens of national, state, and local organizations, the call to end teen dating violence. In 2006, both Houses of Congress declared the first week in February National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week.
How You Can Help
Teens, parents, school personnel looking for advice can turn to a comprehensive guide with recommendations to prevent teen violence developed by the American Bar Association. Specific sections designed for teens, parents, school personnel, mental health professionals, doctors, and legal professionals.
Click here to download a PDF brochure of Teen Dating Violence Prevention
Recommendations.
If you are a teen needing guidance about a situation with a friend that has you concerned, there are many places to turn for advice and support. For more information, click here to go to JBWS website.
Do You Need Help Today?
If you are in a violent relationship, or a relationship that has you worried, reach out NOW. There a many places to turn, with trained, compassionate, and understanding people to help you. Your call will be confidential. Here are a few places to start:
2-1-1 First Call for Help
- 2-1-1 is a statewide number that connects people with the resources they need to solve common life problems. It's FREE and totally confidential.
- When you call 2-1-1, you'll talk to someone who is kind and eager to help, and who has information about thousands of community resources that offer services.
- From cell phones dial 1.800.435.7555. 2-1-1 is TTY accessible.
- Website: www.211firstcall.org
JBWS Helpline: 973-267-4763
- Staffed 24 hours a day
- Access to emergency protection
- Information and referral for victims of abuse and their family and friends
- Confidential counseling
- Website: www.jbws.org
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