Source: Stomp Out Bullying
Do you know that teen dating violence is a form of bullying?
You could be in a relationship where your partner is verbally, emotionally, physically, or sexually abusive. Maybe you’re afraid of your partner. Maybe you think that it’s your job to make the relationship work. Maybe you don’t know that it’s not okay for your partner to beat you. Maybe you’re afraid that there’s no one else in the whole world who would want you. Maybe you think it’s your fault that your partner is so abusive … after all … they don’t treat anyone else that way. Maybe you’re afraid to tell anyone!
Dating violence affects about one in ten teen couples.
Teenagers can often misinterpret abusive and violent behavior as a show of love. Hitting, yelling, threatening, name calling, and using and hurting you sexually isn’t love!
Verbal and emotional abuse
Ridiculing, name-calling, threats, constant criticism, controlling, belittling, and other negative behavior to scare their partner or destroy her/his self-esteem. Both men and women have long-term effects from this type of abuse. Verbal abuse, like physical abuse, is rooted in the low self-esteem of a partner. It’s also rooted in the helplessness, guilt, and confusion of a partner who allows another to treat them this way. Submitting to this behavior in the name of love doesn’t work and is self-destructive.
Places to Contact for Further Information:
- Local Battered Women’s Shelters or Rape Crisis Centers
- Dating Violence Hotline 1-888-799-SAFE
- National Domestic Violence Hotline 1.800-799-7233
- Rape Abuse and Incest National Network Hotline 1-800-656-4673
University of Córdoba. “Bullying evolves with age and proves difficult to escape from.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 14 March 2019. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/03/190314111145.htm>.
