February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a reminder that dating violence is a serious issue among teenagers. Sadly, 1 in 3 U.S. teens (ages 12-18) will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they're in a relationship with before becoming adults. 1

Physical violence, sexual assault, stalking, verbal misuse, and emotional abuse are dating violence indicators. These behaviors can happen in any relationship and to anyone, regardless of age, gender, or popularity. Recognizing the warning signs, such as controlling behavior, excessive jealousy, violent tendencies, emotional immaturity, and isolation from friends and family, is crucial to leaving a relationship.

Dating violence takes three primary forms: physical, psychological/emotional, and financial abuse. 2

Physical Abuse includes:

• Physical violence or restraint directed at you.
• Destroying your possessions.
• Hitting walls, doors, or vehicles.
• Sexual assault.
• Physical abuse can sometimes be the most apparent form of dating violence but also the most intimidating. Speaking up can be scary, but holding on to that fear can give the abuser the control they seek.

Psychological and Emotional Abuse usually comes in two forms: making threats and eroding your self-worth.

This kind of abuse can look like this:

• Publicly embarrassing or humiliating you.
• Withholding affection.
• Insulting, putting you down, or ignoring you.
• Isolating you from your friends and family.

These types of abuse can be more subtle and challenging to recognize. The abuser uses your desire to please and fear of losing the relationship to manipulate you.

Financial Abuse can be a range of behaviors, including:

• Stealing from you.
• Using your personal items for themselves.
• Forcing you to stop working. 

The abuser's goal is to ensure you have no resources to leave them or manage your behavior by forcing you to depend on them.

It's important to remember that you have the right to be in a safe and healthy relationship and never have to feel ashamed or responsible for the abuse you are experiencing. Don't stay silent if you or someone you know is experiencing dating violence. Reach out for help. Local support can be found at the Safe Center and the Family Advocacy Network in Kearney and Willow Rising in Grand Island. 

Collage believes in the importance of developing healthy relationships. So let's work together to break the dating violence cycle. Join the movement and use your voice to raise awareness about teen dating violence.