Domestic violence can be defined as ongoing behaviors in which the goal is to maintain or gain power over another person. This behavior turns into abuse, which can occur physically, emotionally, economically, sexually, or psychologically. Domestic violence does not discriminate against young couples. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 12 high school students experience physical or sexual violence from their partner.
It is very common for violence between partners to present itself as jokes or insults that may seem like “normal” things in a relationship. However, these behaviors can develop into abuse that may go unreported due to fear of telling loved ones.
Signs of domestic violence in teens may include:
● Excessive jealousy
● Invasion of privacy
● Unexpected episodes of anger
● Control tendencies
● Putting blame on the other person without taking responsibility
● Prevent going out or talking to others
● Constant threats
● Monitoring the movements they make (such as where they are and with whom)
Abuse that happens in relationships can have many effects including developing symptoms of anxiety or depressionn, engaging in unhealthy behaviors such as drugs or alcohol, or even having suicidal thoughts.
What can be done to prevent domestic violence in teenage couples?
One thing that can be very important is supporting healthy teen relationships. This helps teens identify healthy behaviors between couples and reduce the possibility of domestic violence in teen couples. During the stage of adolescence it is very important that adolescents have the opportunity to improve their skills in creating and maintaining healthy relationships. This can also include working on communicating with others in a healthy way.
Some things that may be good to keep in mind is the importance of being able to define what a healthy relationship looks like. This can consist of mutual respect, communicating about feelings without worrying about the other person getting angry, having honesty in the relationship, respecting each other's boundaries, understanding the need to spend time with friends and family, and having support for each other, even if you don't always agree. PlaTalking about the topic and keeping communication open is a great step in trying to prevent domestic violence in teenage couples.
How can you help someone in that situation?
● Listen to the person when they are ready to talk
● Do not minimize the person's experience
● Do not judge the person or blame them
● Assure the person that they do not deserve to be treated this way.
● Help the person find resources that can help them
○ These can be centers that specialize in domestic violence, counseling, or go
with them to report the abuse if that is the step they want to take.
It is important to be familiar with the signs of domestic violence in couples
teenagers and not to ignore when we identify those signs in pairs. For adolescents who are in such a crucial stage, it is important to provide them with support so that they are not affected by such a situation or so that if they find themselves in such a situation they do not stop talking and seeking help.
ABOUT:
Rosario Olguin-Aguirre is licensed by the state of Texas to provide counseling services. She is a bilingual therapist with Therapy Works Counseling and works with adolescents and adults. Her specialties include trauma, domestic violence, sexual abuse, depression, and anxiety.
