Teens and dating violence

Posted: 1/31/2017

Experts at the Victim Intervention Program (VIP)/Rape Crisis Center at Parkland say teaching teens about violence and abuse in relationships is important. The most important thing parents can do is show their kids what a healthy relationship looks like. This helps a child know that hurting a loved one is not right.

Encourage your teen to talk with their parents, a teacher, school counselor, doctor or therapist if something doesn’t feel right about their dating relationship. 

Look out for these warning signs of abuse: 

• Jealous partner 
• Too many phone calls, texts or emails from a partner
• Your child is sad or more quiet than normal
• Signs of violence like bruises, cuts or marks
• Not going to normal after-school activities
• Keeping away from friends and family
• Change in grades at school
• Any other behavior that worries you

Parkland offers counseling to parents and their teens that have experienced teen dating violence.  For more information about services at the VIP/Rape Crisis Center, please call 214.590.2926.