February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

While domestic violence effects people of all ages, we must start a conversation about teen dating violence. Domestic violence has always been a sensitive topic and may seem ‘inappropriate’ for those who are younger, but it is a very important conversation to have. Many young teenagers are unsure of the signs and dangers that come along with dating violence.Some may mistake domestic violence as a sign that someone loves them, which is not right at all. Some may think that a man being overprotective is “sweet” and “caring,” when it indeed could be a control tactic. It is important to teach young children and teenagers about dating violence because it often mirrors that of human trafficking.

Teen dating violence (TDV) is defined as a pattern of abuse or threat of abuse against teenaged dating partners, occurring in different forms, including verbal, emotional, physical, sexual and digital. TDV occurs across diverse groups and cultures. Every year, approximately 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience some form of dating violence from their partner. It is also known that 3 in 4 parents have never talked to their children about domestic violence. In recognition of these alarming statistics, February is dedicated to Teen Violence Dating Awareness.

As defined earlier, teenage domestic violence is defined as a pattern of abuse or threat of abuse against teenaged dating partners, occurring in different forms, including verbal, emotional, physical, sexual and digital.

These types of abuse mirror that of exploitative relationships, especially when we look at pimp traffickers.

Maintaining control by using scare tactics forces them to perform tasks they do not want to do in fear of being injured or killed.

Teen dating violence becomes human trafficking when someone gets something of value from the abuse they are inflicting.

Both human trafficking and domestic violence use the tactics of power and control. Many times, the control that comes from domestic violence leads to someone being sold into human trafficking and is what keeps many victims from seeking help. Power and control are the center of sexually and physically abusive relationships.

Educating teens on the influence of power and control and how to create healthy boundaries is the first step to bringing awareness to the issue of domestic violence and human trafficking.