NEW: AG Issues Warning on Teen Dating Violence

NEW: AG Issues Warning on Teen Dating Violence

Some people worry about being alone on Valentine's Day, but others—particularly teens—may be more concerned about spending the day with their significant other.

Approximately one in three adolescent girls in the United States is a victim of physical, verbal, or emotional abuse from their dating partner, according to a study by the National Council on Crime and Delinquency Focus.

This month Attorney General Peter Kilmartin is teaming up with the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV) to try and remedy that statistic.

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Often associated with flowers, candy, and romance, February is also National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month.

Valentine's Day an opportunity to talk to kids

“It is critical that we use this month to remember that domestic violence is not just a problem for adults,” said Kilmartin. “This Valentine’s Day, parents can give their children the gift of love by having a serious conversation about relationships and how to avoid being a victim of teen dating violence.”

Dating violence can take many forms—physical, emotional, or sexual, and violent relationships can have serious repercussions for victims. Teens that are subjected to abuse are at higher risk for substance abuse, easting disorders, risky sexual behavior, suicide, and adult re-victimization.

Though young people are susceptible to the same types of abuse as adults, some methods are unique to teen culture, particularly “technological abuse,”— receiving threats via text messages or social networking sites like Facebook.

'Technological Abuse'

“Sending unwanted text messages, pressuring for nude pictures, breaking into social networking sites, and other controlling behavior that occurs electronically is often not recognized as abuse by teens,” Kilmartin said. “And, when teens are abused these ways, they often don’t know how to talk about it or get help.”

The statistics for technological abuse are frightening. One in four teens in a relationship say they have been harassed or put down by a partner through cell phones or texting and 30 percent report being text messaged 10-30 times an hour by a partner demanding to know where they are, what they're doing, and who they're with. Another 68 percent of teens say that partners sharing private or embarrassing pictures or video on cell phones and computers are a serious problem.

This year, RICADV is joining forces with www.Hkupwithrespect.com— a social networking site that helps teens discuss healthy and unhealthy relationships—to promote healthy relationships and give young people the tools to make positive choices concerning relationships.

“Our goal is to stop dating abuse before it starts,” said Lucy Rios, director of prevention at RICADV.

How to Get Help:

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.

Local Resources:

Victims of Crime Helpline
24 hour Hotline
1-800-494-8100

Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence
www.ricadv.org

Start Strong Rhode Island
www.startstrongteens.org

Hkup With Respect
www.hkupwithrespect.com

National Resources:

National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline
866‐331‐9474
866‐331‐8453 TTY
www.loveisrespect.org
The National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline offers one‐on‐one service from peer advocates. The helpline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and offers translation services. Assistance via online chat services is available four p.m. to midnight CST, 7 days a week.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
800‐799‐SAFE (7233)
800‐787‐3224 TTY
www.ndvh.org
The National Domestic Violence Hotline, operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, offers services in more than 170 languages. The hotline provides crisis intervention, safety planning, information and referrals to agencies in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) Hotline
800‐656‐HOPE (4673)
www.rainn.org
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network offers assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Callers are automatically directed to on‐duty volunteers to answer questions and provide support and local resources.

That’s Not Cool
www.thatsnotcool.com

Break the Cycle
www.breakthecycle.org

National Center for Victims of Crime ‐ Dating Violence Resource Center
www.ncvc.org