ADDRESSING TEEN DATING VIOLENCE

Young love is often complicated, and not always sweet. Abusive behaviors such as being checked on constantly by your partner, negative feedback on the way you dress or who you hang out with, and more obvious actions such as yelling and hitting are all ways that your boyfriend or girlfriend (or your child’s SO) is demonstrating dating violence. If you’re unsure about whether a relationship is healthy or not, take this quiz.

At Neighborhood Health Association, our pediatricians and nurse practitioners are aware of the signs of dating violence and will ask you or your child follow-up questions if they suspect danger. Open communication is key in a violent dating situation, especially if you feel like there is no way out of it. Our staff also focuses on education and resources for our patients to utilize between office visits. Your emotional and safety well-being is just as important as your physical health, and we are here to help.

In honor of February being Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, please check out Loveisrespect.org which is dedicated to engaging, educating and empowering young people to prevent and end abusive relationships. Get to know the facts about teen dating violence. Start talking. And become an advocate against teen dating violence.