Help Your Teen Understand the Components of a Toxic Relationship
February is arguably one of the most romantic months of the year, however, happy and healthy relationships aren't the only thing people are talking about. February marks the start of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, which is a national effort to raise awareness about dating violence and toxic behavior in teen relationships.
One in 3 adolescents in the U.S. is a victim of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional or verbal) from a dating partner, a number that far exceeds rates of other types of youth violence and which, by any other standards, would be called an epidemic. Dating violence in teen relationships isn't just high school hallway drama or €œteens being teens€, it's a very real, very serious issue and it's time we start talking about it. Everyone deserves a safe and healthy relationship.
Help your teen identify healthy and unhealthy behaviors
What constitutes dating has changed over the last generation. Generally speaking, relationships fall within a spectrum that can be described as healthy, unhealthy or abusive. Characteristics of a healthy relationship include trust, honesty, respect, equality, and communication. An unhealthy one would involve distrust, dishonesty, inconsiderate behavior, and poor communication. Abusive relationships see unhealthy habits go too far, and may include irrelevant accusations, perpetual blaming, threatening language, and manipulation.
How to help
If you're a victim of abuse or know someone who is in an abusive relationship, there are free and confidential ways to get help.
- Chat at www.loveisrespect.org
- Text LOVEIS to 22522
- Call 1-866-331-9474
We hope that these tips help you to help someone if they are in need. For protection in the form of
insurance, talk to the professionals at Little & Sons Insurance Services, serving Banning and neighboring cities in California.
