Teen Dating Violence
Think you or a friend are
experiencing dating violence?
Take this quick test to get ansewers and ways to help
Resources
Carroll County Domestic/ IPV 24-hour hotline (talk or TEXT):
443-865-8031
Springboard Community Services: MAIN OFFICE
410-876-1233
410-386-2900
410-857-7322
410-828-6390
410-889-7884
410-997-2272
410-836-8430
800-799-7233
1-800-786-2929 or text 66008
1-800-422-0009
1-866-331-9474 Or text “love is” to 22522
Dating Violence Facts
What is dating violence?
Dating violence is when someone uses harmful tactics to gain control over their partner in a relationship. These tactics aren’t just physical; they can also be emotional, sexual, mental, and social.
- Unhealthy relationships don’t have to involve physical violence to be considered abusive.
- If your partner has a history of unhealthy relationships, you could be at risk.
- Feeling scared to break up with your partner is a sign that something is wrong.
- Girls aged 16 to 24 experience the highest rate of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV).
- Violent behaviors often start between ages 12 and 18.
- 94% of female victims of IPV are between 16-19 years old.
- Males can also be victims of Intimate Partner Abuse.
How to help a friend
What is a safety plan:
A plan that includes actions and strategies before and after ending a relationship with an abusive partner to support the victim.
Things to Consider in Creating a Safety Plan:
- Plan for breaking up with the abuser.
- Establish a secret code word.
- Keep the victim away from the abuser or have an escape route.
- Create your own safety plan: https://www.thehotline.org/plan-for-safety/create-your-personal-safety-plan/.
Things to say to victims:
- I’m here if you ever need to talk.
- Would you feel comfortable if we made a safety plan just in case you need it?
- Your feelings are completely valid.
Things Not to say to victims:
- If I were you…
- You have to leave.
- You’re stupid for putting up with this behavior.
- Making negative comments about their choices.
If you or someone you care about are in immediate danger, you should call 911 from the nearest safe place.
If you are looking for someone to speak with confidentially, there are a number of anonymous phone and text line supports available.
- Carroll County Talk or TEXT Domestic & Dating Violence Hotline 443-865-8031
- National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233
-
Love is Respect/The National Dating Abuse Hotline
- 1-866-331-9474 or text “loveis” to 22522
How to overcome Barriers
#1 Parents
- They will overreact and take measures the youth is not ready for like involving the school, the abuser’s parents or law enforcement.
- They may get angry over teen dating in general.
- Feeling they will blame the youth.
#2 Other Barries
- Youth may not think the abuse is as bad as what they’ve seen on TV or heard from friends.
- Youth may be fearful to share the truth because others may judge them.
- If it’s not physical yet, may not understand the different types of abuse like emotional or mental. These can be very subtle, including tactics like gaslighting.
- If the abusive partner is part of the same friend group, sport, or club, the victim might not want to disturb the peace or fear that they will lose friends.
Ready to take control of your circumstances?
life. From group therapy to confidential hotlines, or getting you set up with other
external resources, we are here to ensure your safety and comfort.
Your are strong. you are capable. You are loved.
you are worthy of help.
