Adolescence is a period marked by exploration, self-discovery, and budding relationships. Unfortunately, it also is a period with a critical concern: teen dating violence. As providers, it’s important to know how to best support young people in developing healthy relationships and autonomy around their sexual and reproductive health decisions through awareness, education, and proactive intervention.
What is Teen Dating Violence?
Teen dating violence encompasses a spectrum of behaviors, from physical and sexual abuse to emotional manipulation and coercion. Contrary to common misconceptions, it’s not restricted to physical violence alone. Psychological and emotional abuse can leave deep scars, invisible to the naked eye but profoundly impactful on a young person’s well-being.
Teen dating violence is more common than many providers realize:
- 1 in 12 U.S. high school students who date experience physical dating violence, and about 1 in 12 also experience sexual dating violence.[1]
- Female students experience higher rates of dating violence than males. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans youth are at higher risk for dating violence compared to heterosexual and cisgender youth.[2] Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans (LGBTQ+) youth are at higher risk for dating violence compared to heterosexual and cisgender youth.[3]
- Youth who experience teen dating violence are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, use tobacco and other substances, think about suicide, and exhibit antisocial behaviors. Violence in adolescent relationships can also set the stage for future intimate partner violence (IPV).
These figures underscore the prevalence and urgency of addressing teen dating violence. It’s a pervasive issue that transcends geographical boundaries, socio-economic status, and cultural backgrounds.
Supporting Adolescents in Navigating Relationships
As adolescents learn about themselves and develop dating relationships, they will begin to navigate their own sexual and reproductive health decisions. You can play an important role in empowering the youth you serve with comprehensive, accurate information about their own bodies, relationships, and futures.
Consider where the youth in your community can access the following information:
- Comprehensive Sexuality Education: Equipping young people with age-appropriate, medically accurate information about sexual and reproductive health promotes healthy decision-making, communication skills, and respect for boundaries.
- Access to Confidential Health Services: Adolescents have a right to confidential care, including contraception, STI testing and treatment, pregnancy testing, and pregnancy options counseling. While it’s important for youth to know that you may have to report certain things (in accordance with your organization’s mandatory reporting laws and policies), consider how you’re creating an environment for young people to discuss their needs and concerns without fear of judgment or stigma.
- Consent Education: Teaching the importance of consent fosters mutual respect and understanding within relationships, laying the foundation for healthy interactions and boundaries both in adolescence and throughout the lifespan.
Advocating for Intersectional Change
The intersections of teen dating violence and sexual/reproductive health underscore the need for intersectional solutions. Young people have less experience advocating for themselves in both relationships and health care situations. You can better support adolescents by seeking understanding of their experiences, validating their feelings, normalizing their health concerns, and supporting their decisions. experiencing dating violence may face challenges in asserting their sexual and reproductive health decisions, exacerbating their vulnerability.
Supporting young people requires a multi-faceted approach:
- Education and Awareness: By raising awareness about teen dating violence and promoting comprehensive sexuality education, we can empower young people to recognize unhealthy relationship dynamics and make informed choices.
- Community Support: Creating safe spaces within communities where young people can access support, guidance, and resources is essential. This includes schools, healthcare facilities, and youth organizations.
- Policy and Advocacy: Advocating for policies that prioritize funding for prevention programs, support services, and research initiatives is crucial in addressing the root causes of teen dating violence and promoting sexual and reproductive health rights.
Championing Youth Empowerment
In fostering a culture of respect, understanding, and empowerment, we can support young people in navigating the complexities of relationships, sexuality, and reproductive health. By addressing teen dating violence and promoting sexual and reproductive health rights, we not only safeguard the well-being of adolescents but also cultivate a future where all individuals can thrive in healthy, fulfilling relationships. Let’s stand together to champion youth empowerment and create a world where every young person can realize their full potential.
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