Teen Dating Violence Awareness

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For more information, contact:

Contacts
Community Initiatives
Amy St. Peter

Talk to Someone. You are not alone.

If you are in immediate danger, call or text to 9-1-1.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | SAMHSA
Call or text the number 988

Teen Lifeline
Call or text 602-248-8336

More resources may be found on our Domestic Violence Find Help webpage.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teen dating violence affects millions of teens in the U.S. each year. It occurs between two people in a close relationship and may include:

  • Physical violence, like hitting, kicking, or pushing
  • Sexual violence, such as forcing a partner to take part in a sex act
  • Psychological abuse, like name-calling, insulting, threatening
  • Stalking, such as repeatedly making unwanted or threatening phone calls or messages, showing up unwanted
  • Teen dating violence can happen in person or electronically including repeated texting or posting sexual pictures of a partner online without their permission

Youth who are victims of teen dating violence are more likely to: experience depression and anxiety symptoms; engage in unhealthy behaviors, like using tobacco, drugs, and alcohol; think about suicide.

These factors help protect people from abuse:

  • Strong social support networks and stable, positive relationships with others.
  • Neighborhoods where residents feel connected to each other and are involved in the community.
  • Coordination of resources and services among community agencies.
  • Communities with access to safe, stable housing.
  • Communities with access to medical care and mental health services.
  • Communities with access to economic and financial help.

Teens Experiencing Dating Violence and Homelessness

 

Get the Facts

  • Teens of any background or income level can experience dating violence. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 12 teens nationally reported experiencing physical or sexual violence.
    • To put that into context, that would be like the entire population of Apache Junction or the total combined populations of El Mirage, Tolleson, and Youngtown experiencing dating violence.
  • Thousands of teens also experience homelessness. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, there are 1,181 teens experiencing homelessness without their families. Counting teens who are still with their families, there are 18,025 teens experiencing homelessness in Arizona.
    • To put that into perspective, that would be like the total population of the city of Maricopa experiencing homelessness as teenagers.
  • Teens experiencing homelessness have high rates of dating violence. This compounds the harm and makes it more difficult to stabilize.
  • Teens who experience dating violence and/or homelessness are more likely to experience the same as adults.

 

Get Help

 

Get Involved

  • Promote awareness through social media.
  • Link to online resources such as azmag.gov/DatingViolence.
  • Volunteer or partner with nonprofit agencies to offer support and services.
  • Host speakers at Youth Commission and council meetings.