LAKE COUNTY — February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and the Lake Family Resource Center (LFRC) reminded community members that its advocates are available year-round to help teenagers affected by aggressive relationships.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported one in 11 adolescents say they”ve been the victim of physical dating violence, and a second survey indicated one in four teenagers self-report some form of abuse each year, according to Sheri Salituri of LFRC.
Teen dating violence can also include mental, emotional, verbal and sexual abuse, any of which can materialize in either short- or long-term relationships, Salituri said.
“A jealous, aggressive or possessive partner is not normal and it”s nothing that anyone deserves to put up with,” she said.
LFRC urges teenagers to develop a safety plan and asks parents and friends to recognize signs of violence.
Indicators that a teen may be in an abusive dating relationship can include declining grades, increasing truancy, isolation, troubles at home, alcohol or drug abuse, pregnancy, bruises or cuts and suicidal or violent tendencies, according to Salituri.
In teen domestic violence cases, as with adult situations, the mistreatment can get worse with time despite some teenagers thinking they can change their partners” abusive ways, Salituri said.
“We”ve all heard the old saying, ”You cannot change the spots on a leopard;” as goes the same with a batterer,” she added.
Teenagers in abusive relationships can contact LFRC advocates and counselors, and can remain anonymous, by calling the 24/7 crisis hotline at 888-485-7733.
“Everyone has a choice and deserves to be treated with dignity. Reach out, speak up and lend a hand at putting an end to teen dating domestic violence. Remember, that one person could be your friend,” Salituri said.
