Challenging Topic
This topic can be challenging for some, especially for people with relevant experiences. Remember to take care of yourself, and be aware of your mental, emotional, spiritual and physical status. Be sure to take breaks, if needed.
If you need someone to talk to, please visit the Get Care page for resources specific to your circumstances.
Intimate Partner Violence
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is an issue that affects families and communities everywhere. IPV means violence that occurs in dating relationships–these relationships can be serious or casual. IPV can include physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, or psychological harm by a current or former partner or spouse. Learn for from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. IPV can happen with any couple –heterosexual or people that are gender non-conforming (for example, same sex couples). People in these relationships do not need to be sexually active together for IPV to occur.
Teen Dating Violence
Teen dating violence (TDV) is a type of IPV. It describes violence that occurs in close relationships, whether they’re dating or in close relationships. TDV can include the following behaviors:
- Physical violence – trying to hurt a partner by hitting, kicking, or using another type of physical force (for example, using an object to hit or threaten)
- Sexual violence – forcing or attempting to force a partner to take part in a sexual act, sexual touching, or non-psychical sexual event (for example, sexting, sending pictures, etc.) when the partner doesn’t want to or cannot consent
- Psychological aggression – the use of verbal or non-verbal communication intending to harm/hurt/threaten or control the other person mentally or emotionally. This is often to manipulate or control the other person.
- Stalking – A pattern of repeated, unwanted attention and contact by a partner that causes fear or concern. Often, friends and family of the victim/survivor of stalking feel very concerned for the safety and well-being of the person being stalked.
The Big Problem
TDV and IPV are very common! In February we recognize Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) every year to bring light to the issue of TDV. These problems are real and can leave very heavy marks on people throughout life. For example, IPV and TDV are linked with behavioral problems, such as substance use disorders, mental health problems, and more.
Prevention
Together we can prevent IPV and TDV by having open conversations about violence, and educating youth and communities about the issues of violence. We can help our peers and loved ones by listening and believing them if they disclose violence. Also, let them know that violence is not their fault. Often people that commit abuse blame the victim for violence happening to them. This is often to control them and make them feel helpless. By listening and believing them, we can help people to heal and move forward.
Resources:
- Teen Safety Cards (gender neutral -for every youth), order at iknowmine.org
- ANTHC Healthy Families Resources
- IHS training
- Youtube series
- Love is Respect
- Cyber Bullying: thatsnotcool.com
This page was informed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
