Toxic energy often creeps up in any kind of relationship whether it's between people in an intimate relationship or a friendship.

It can be that you vent to a friend and something that has upset you and instead of them listening - which is what you really need at that moment - they take that time to turn the attention on themselves. That is not ok. 

It's not always intentional, so you must #UseYourVoice to let them know how they made you feel in that moment and if going forward they continue not showing up for you when you need them, then it's up to you to set those boundaries are remove them from your life completely. 

*******

Do you think that teen dating violence could never happen to your son or daughter? That’s what we all say. But remember: what may look like “normal” teen dating interaction these days can actually be a sign of trouble. Here are some less obvious signs:

* Your child has to have his/her cell phone with him/her at all times so he/she doesn’t miss a call, or he/she is very distressed if he/she does miss a call.

* The boyfriend or girlfriend seems angry when your child has something else scheduled, like a family event or time with other friends.

* Your child quits an activity he/she loves to be more available for her boyfriend/girlfriend.

* The boyfriend or girlfriend wants to control how your child dresses or wears his/her their hair.

Manipulation like this can lead to physical violence, and by that time the he/she/they feels so controlled, isolated, and fearful that he/she/they doesn’t know how to get help. But in healthy relationships, there is no battle for control of the other person’s time or attention. The two are supportive of each other’s interests and families. Control does not go with loyalty or genuine bonding.

Please click the link below to read an interview with Whit Devereaux. You'll learn how she turned her experiences with teen dating and intimate partner violence into her mission to raise awareness and teach the world how to avoid the signs. 

*****

Teen Dating Violence is an issue that impacts everyone – not just teens – but their parents, teachers, friends and communities as well.  Together, we can raise the nation’s awareness about teen dating violence and promote safe, healthy relationships.

At a time when an estimated 1 in 11 teens will experience dating violence we all must take this opportunity to amplify our efforts and shine a spotlight on this important issue. 

What Is the Impact of Teen Dating Violence?

Nationwide, youth age 12 to 19 experience the highest rates of rape and sexual assault.  Studies show that approximately 10% of adolescents report being the victim of physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner during the previous year.  Girls are particularly vulnerable to experiencing violence in their relationships and are more likely to suffer long-term behavioral and health consequences, including suicide attempts, eating disorders, and drug use.

Adolescents in abusive relationships often carry these unhealthy patterns of violence into future relationships.  Indeed, children who are victimized or witness violence frequently bring this experience with them to the playground, the classroom, later into teen relationships and, ultimately, they can end up the victims and perpetrators of adult intimate partner violence.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month (TDVAM), but everyday we aim to break the cycle of violence by providing support and services to victims, their families and their communities. 

If you know of a teen or parent that could benefit from speaking to a caring, well-trained peer advocate, please connect them with the National Dating Abuse Helpline, a project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, at 1-866-331-9474 (TTY: 1-866-331-8453).